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Well you know the truth of the matter is that is present -- United States I've got a lot of responsibilities.
I was.
Supportive of Tom and have been supportive of Tom.
Obviously.
You know I would loved to have seen a different result.
That was President Obama an interview with WB AY.
-- ABC news affiliate in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Explaining that he would have loved to have helped out Tom -- at the mayor of Milwaukee who lost.
A week ago today.
In the badger state and recall bid launched by unions and Democrats against Republican governor Scott Walker but he was too busy.
And this is power play and I am Chris -- Walt.
And the president's decision yesterday and by the local affiliate interview the president this is part of a campaign issue kind of thing that the president does break ranks local interviews it to people in swing states -- -- form and equip these.
And he gets to get his message out in -- swing states but occasionally they -- annoying or uncomfortable things and in this case it was about democratic dissatisfaction.
With the president's decision not to go -- to campaign for buried in fact -- he did was really senator -- credit the end.
So let's talk about that and by the way -- should tell you we're gonna have Eric Holder stuff today.
Never you mind Internet there will be Eric Holder stuff we will also talk about -- the latest attack from the Obama campaign.
On Mitt Romney's record in Massachusetts we will do all of those things.
Helping us.
Fortunately to do those things as my friend and former colleague -- -- -- she's the chief congressional correspondent for the Washington examiner she also does a goodly bit of presidential campaign coverage.
She is wise and lovely thank you for bringing your wise loving this year.
And -- of course quite so now.
On this question of the president saying.
He is too busy to go to Wisconsin.
On Friday Susan before the election.
Barack Obama.
In his plane our plane air force one flew from Minneapolis.
To Chicago in the course of holding six fundraisers.
Down in between -- -- if you fly from Minneapolis to Chicago you go over a lot of Wisconsin.
And he didn't go wheels down into any thing.
The art do you think this is going to make Democrats resentful.
-- -- -- Air Force One next story of the neighboring state didn't hours.
How come over and help these Democrats who are absolutely desperate to recall Scott Walker.
There are a lot of resentful Democrats and yes I think it will hurt him with his base because -- they feel like he snubbed them on something that was really -- -- -- to -- And not just -- and more importantly the unions who he really depends on.
Is so many ways in an election year where everything is that matter for him.
These guys help get the vote out they help popularly these rallies they help raise money and they were critical in helping get elected -- and what does he do these -- -- big effort in Wisconsin.
And big question is why do you do good varying reasons good for him the that got hurt the candidate would have been bad for the -- -- he showed up given his is that ending his poll numbers particularly in the he had told the outpolled Bayer -- Johnson -- they did it well look at the results of the election you look at who who the -- exit polls he was being -- so clearly people liked.
But Barack Obama they were just angry to recall effort so perhaps his presence there would have calmed some of that and have you -- out more voters and perhaps they difference although.
-- victory was -- pretty substantive so I don't -- that really any appearance would have counted but even people like Paul begala and other democratic side.
I -- and mean automatically should he showed up.
Should -- should -- showed up anyway and in the spirit of don't disclosure we should point out.
That.
Those exit polls.
Were.
They leaned Democrat because it became obvious in the -- a lot of Republican voters.
Did not choose that's usually the case -- usually skew Democrat a little bit this -- it was a heavy Democrats Q so.
Bear that in mind -- you think about the numbers.
But to that point we're seeing some division inside the Democratic Party as you mention we have sort of the Clinton Democrats including.
Bill Clinton.
But Steve Rattner.
Paul begala and these guys the more moderate Democrats are are there.
Are sort of laying down a marker right now early in the process as the president's having an unhappy start to his reelection campaign they're saying maybe making some mistakes I don't know about the Bain Capital I wrote in the power play today which you can have for -- -- cost of follow.
At cease -- -- I would love to have you of their there as I said earlier there ain't no party like an Internet party there's an Internet party don't stop and you should follow me there and have fun.
But the point.
That I was making today is things like willing being willing to lay down your political capital.
For somebody who's gonna lose anyway like Martha Coakley up in Massachusetts against Scott Brown in 2010.
Like -- needs and Jon Corzine in Virginia and New Jersey 2000 -- -- -- whole host of house Democrats in 2000 intent when the president leaves the field of battle.
Right and leaves these folks out there -- it reinforces this notion about Obama that he eats alone and he's not much of a team player right.
Well I think that in this case for sure he's done a lot of within a day and he's also been criticized for showing up in trying to help people then they lose because it was -- slowly -- -- blame him Arizona out.
-- -- about a -- he -- along Martha Coakley can't get all these people -- looking silly after his shirt.
So there's that aspect of it is well aren't you wealthy showed up you know again what you've heard the -- and -- that's arguable and.
It was -- and -- the president of the United States especially if you're running for reelection.
Every situation is damned if you do damned if you don't if you don't it as you said he shot the guy loses.
Repudiation.
Of the headline words become very ugly Obama drags down there.
What -- that you know you're gonna get those my point today is basically this you know you're gonna get bad headlines whatever you do.
So stick with your party and go you know that's what part that's what partisan politics is all about is that you you make -- compact with some other people that say we may not agree on everything but we're gonna hang together.
Well I think that his absence from Wisconsin is -- real clear demonstration of just where he is right now in his own head in this process I think that.
He's concerned he's not be reelected.
And it's making him make mistakes and not only Soledad that gas.
Things he said in recent days I think that's part of it.
But I think in the end indecision over Wisconsin I'm sure he went back and forth so -- not to show up for this and I feels he -- really more confident himself.
In what's gonna happen in November I think -- -- him on the ground there so I feel like his absence of Wisconsin has really signaled to me.
My knee jerk reaction was he's really nervous and about November us I think that's enough.
Why are increasingly Democrats are nervous something you know I'm I'm not an Internet I'm not gonna tell you I told you so but we've been talking for a -- here that the -- lift off for this campaign is not nearly what was expected when we were expecting to see the billion dollar juggernaut.
And the organization that had been.
Lavished with absolute.
Hugs and kisses by the political press -- wrote a book called game change is basically about how.
Magnificent these people work they got out of the gate first ten weeks don't.
And the president is gonna try to reset on Thursday with an economic speech in Ohio.
But they're looking for a reset they're looking for a way to do over the worst of the -- the president doesn't that embolden people like Clinton Democrats.
To be out sheet and get that on the record like hey I -- -- You -- this whatever it -- these people talk all I think it is still the present at 2000 election -- -- you probably due to.
There -- some we lose we read that I gather you and me.
-- there's some thoughts until there are that would just you know hastily covered over and now I think they're looking at this by the Iranians to get a little bit.
Why -- think yes people like we did people OC talking about Hillary Clinton as a presidential candidate we've come to that point keep.
Actually -- that.
Not to me is remarkable.
And I think it all rests right now on okay the president -- done this this this in this and here's the economy and here's where public sentiment is not good.
And that's why -- why you're hearing that's why you -- you -- the Clinton people are out and get together.
Laying down their marker could be where they stand right now there now we've been hearing NASA's recent days and that's fascinating I think.
They got they got claws out there okay -- is so good we're going to ask -- to stay for another segment.
Because when we come back we'll also be joined by our friend big Mike Emanuel.
To talk about what's going on with Eric Holder who's having a fast and furious -- its own -- stick around.
He ranking member Grassley -- distinguished members of the committee.
Appreciate the chance to appear.
Before you today to highlight some of the accomplishments that have distinct distinguished the department's work under this administration.
And that is what Eric Holder would have much rather talked about today.
In his testimony.
Before the senate Judiciary Committee.
As he answered questions about the fast and furious investigation.
National security leaks.
Voter identification.
And all of the other unhappy -- things facing his department and for -- -- attorney general this is power -- welcome back welcome back to -- preach you know senior congressional correspondent for the Washington examiner the watch exit the -- newspaper in Washington.
So let us now bring in some more congressional correspondent.
With my friend and colleague Mike Emanuel big Mike how we go out.
-- -- -- Better than Eric Holder is my surmised today.
-- -- a fairly rough run over there for the attorney general.
He Chris he has been taking heat on a variety of topics and of course this comes just after yesterday when chairman Darrell ice the house oversight.
And Government Reform Committee said he was gonna move forward with the contempt of congress vote.
In that committee next Wednesday.
Today holder made it pretty clear that.
He wanted to try to hold off what he called a constitutional crisis was willing to sit down with the ice with speaker Boehner with anybody who wanted to talk to him.
To try to come up with some type of solution on the fast and furious investigation we know ice in a lot of the Republicans.
Haven't frustrated and asking for more emails more documentation.
Related to fast and furious that.
That this happened in terms of gun running.
Across the southwestern border that led to the death.
About border agent Brian Terry.
In so.
The Republicans are saying we've been waiting since October the twelfth when we ask for this information.
And -- not.
Complied with the subpoena and so they've been pressing for more so holder said he wanna sit down there and try to iron that out.
On the leaks investigation there is pretty spirited moment a short time ago where senator Lindsey Graham was pointing out that during the Bush Administration.
Senator Obama and Senator Biden were among those jumping up and down saying.
We need an independent counsel special counsel.
To look into leaks in the Bush Administration.
He said this time around it's a pick -- US attorney's.
They are too close to the administration.
To do this and so he's calling for special outside prosecutors.
Some Democrats push back a bit.
Like Graham said when the shoe was on the other -- you guys were very vocal about this and -- He pushed -- hard hearing continuing at this moment and we'll see where else goes from here.
So -- what's the forecast we expect to see -- right now.
Still have a vote on the house oversight committee on this contempt charge.
-- ice -- told me yesterday that you know he can make this go away if he's cooperative between now.
And next Wednesday and so holder today said he was willing to do what it takes to avoid a constitutional crisis.
But it's not clear whether -- ideas of cooperation.
Will match up whether -- -- -- -- dry -- this committee will go forward a week from tomorrow with -- vote.
I did get OK Mike Emanuel you're very kind of make time for us today -- the -- thank you sir thanks very much.
All right Susan so the Republicans have rocks in their jaws.
Over a bunch of stuff with Eric Holder and as -- listed there at that outset.
You've got the voting rights there to do Justice Department is trying to prevent the state of Florida.
From purging their voter rolls of individuals that they say are illegal immigrants or.
Deceased.
And the Justice Department trying to stop that and with -- you know this and at Florida could be big deal in the fall.
And so the Republicans don't like that.
They're very upset about fast and furious stuff and now they are outraged over the national security leaking about.
Presidents kill list and a computer virus that the president -- the New York Times that the president directed to be unleashed on Iran.
So does this really go someplace where does this just rattle around.
Well and it in.
Voters are focused on economies of transient time out time out voters against Sydor on -- talk about computer viruses or an independent -- exam weeks the way White House.
Probably they still -- going to focus on the price at the gas pump.
The inflation in the grocery store the fact -- they can't find a job.
And number of -- other really important economic issues.
And so in that sense it it it is absolutely.
Rational that the Republican leadership right now.
-- secretly trying to avoid these contempt charges against whole team battled holder and -- dealing with all these other things you.
And and you know a lot about this you've written very experience -- about.
The way that John Boehner is the speaker of the house has run things as opposed to his predecessors.
His Boehner in the past is certainly entered into Pelosi who had it totally iron fist with her comfort she she ran it Boehner on the other hand.
Function as he says let that let the house work its will that's his -- now on this one it's proven a little ask Brad and I.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Basically said -- you'll never vote.
-- -- -- But that's -- the committee -- out.
-- to hold Sony content niece who voted on by the entire house and that's that's up to him -- -- to ban on -- as I was vote not pass up seeing a little bit with withhold its embarrassing no -- no attorney general wants to have a contempt charge against them it certainly motivates him to try to bring some lord of the table.
And if you read between lines -- these varying statements from the leadership and I sent the doors will.
-- -- prefer content and yeah another question it raised -- -- let me just mention here talking to Mike Emanuel.
What is it what is his version of a compromise right there aren't thousands of -- -- missing documents.
And you have Republicans or are -- pretty angry over learning through -- whistle -- last week that.
Holder had been keeping from them.
Some information that showed that top people in its it Department of Justice new fast if yours despite the claims -- contrary -- -- -- not easy lying idiot proof that there's.
That he was lying and hiding it from them.
So it this stakes are higher now for hold if he's gonna reset the table he just can't start to look on paper -- redacted this yeah and it's -- -- something good.
We know -- your team once when I was when -- actually working reporter we know this routine can something.
But.
Basically asked for information and they say you want documents that it would give you documents look -- -- semi truck up to the front of your newspaper we will dump.
Reams of paper and then we'll -- -- -- this is the other front part and one injury built -- 101000 dollars.
Allowed under the Freedom of Information Act.
For the copy in the new and it sank.
All right nevermind and so holder to this point is basically tried to do that with a bazooka blasts of documents but the Republicans still say they don't have the right ones that are the ones that.
Yes he's gonna have to not -- sits down anti -- can't get it down to brass tax we want this this this that they don't even need to -- the whistle -- it's anissina affidavits for the -- to six of them indicate that somebody knew about this high level.
Hold -- denied previously he's gonna have to turn over more what they want and believe me he's committee staffers can get very specific.
And so -- -- stuff and he's gonna have to show it.
They gave -- -- they gave -- parameters it what they're looking for.
If clues unwilling to turn I don't I don't forget today's mentioning it's -- be constitutional only wants to what is congress.
He's gonna you know -- herein lies the problem if they can't agree on that we could still come to a committee vote with ice from -- It's anyone's guess Boehner isn't real tough position where he brings -- the house floor.
Because -- people in his own caucus were saying if he doesn't do this he loses my support speaker.
In the next congress and that's a big deal.
Susan straight you know you read her at Washington examiner dot com because she's very good we thank you for making Tony -- OK I will get the last word here to -- -- and you know him as live bash.
And he says constitutional crisis more like individual liberty issue.
And there you have it okay we're gonna take a very quick break but when we come back.
We've got an all star panel for you and we're gonna talk about the efficacy of president Obama's latest hit on Mitt Romney on his record as governor of the base states whose whose -- state.
So stick around.
When Mitt Romney was governor of Massachusetts was number one.
Wanting to stay defense.
Eighteen billion dollars in -- more gentle person than any other state in the country.
At the same time Massachusetts fell 47 in job creation of one of the worst economic records in the country.
That is the latest missile launch in the three part salvo.
Of attack ads from the Obama campaign that the president -- -- his reelection strategy with this one attacking Mitt Romney on his record as governor of Massachusetts.
Who knew we get to see Democrats attacking Massachusetts.
And this is power play welcome back.
And we're very lucky today because we have -- -- your very favorites.
Together -- together again for the very first time Ford O'Connell.
You know him as chairman of Pacific form actually is a Republican strategist.
He is good fun and a good friend and here's David Mercer also good fun and a good friend he's the former deputy.
National finance director for the Democratic National Committee musical Twitter handle he stole beltway before anybody else could get it so he probably gets a lot of followers have guys.
The first two rocket launches from the Obama -- and it's been about a 26 million dollar.
Swing state.
Softening up of Mitt Romney were about his personal finances.
Then about his Swiss bank account.
Then that was the attack on his work -- CEO of Bain Capital.
Where they said he was an empire.
And now they say he was also a stinky governor of Massachusetts.
So let's start with you Ford since it's the red team taking the incoming.
Mitt Romney.
Massachusetts is a troublesome thing for a Republican it is not and I.
For all of the all of you out there from the -- state not the most popular state in the country.
Especially among conservatives.
So this doesn't this have a double edge for Obama that he not -- -- Romney for what he says -- bad numbers.
But also reminds Republicans but remember that that was a moderate up in Massachusetts.
It is a little problem but I think that you know President Obama basically is grasping at straws cannot find -- -- that sticks -- -- closing in the polls and now it wants were attacked Romney's Massachusetts record where Romney.
Lower unemployment wages were increased he reduced -- three billion dollar budget deficit.
And frankly president Obama's trying to pick holes every way possible he says Massachusetts that was eighteen billion.
-- guess what President Obama is that a sixteen drug that's what that's another and deal miss -- -- fact that they won -- is out there and it's a lot.
Okay now David there's any time you attack.
You hurt yourself this is the basic rule of thumb in politics is attack ads have to be worth which are gonna pay form.
And you're not talking about money there -- talking about the increase of your own negatives.
Because don't they always go up you just are hoping that you're driving your opponents up more the president has been a very expensive very negative -- to define Mitt Romney.
In the early going so that he is.
But is there not some danger for the president of I mean this is part of this is a lot of -- stuff for doctor hope and change.
I think it's clarifying.
That's the message that Romney is put out there and the if we wanna talk about -- is that he is -- -- in terms of the year Joseph guy creator it's important.
At Bain Capital or being a job creator but not talking about how the state was 47 out of fifty in job creation when he left.
On secondly we're piggybacking on this is a new -- piggybacking off of what -- what Perry said during their owners say that lull removal vulture capitalists -- Piggybacking off Michelle Bachmann who called.
His his career of you know crony capitalism.
On and he's got to reckon with that.
We have a broader audience and we just want to make sure that what.
The Republicans have mentioned during the primary just -- your children and older population -- and outward about meaning president that's not you know that's going to be okay I didn't he's not a new president.
But I think he cares about firefighters and -- -- -- -- -- basically.
Doesn't have a record run on doesn't have a net job and now he's gonna go after Romney and by the way the presence also claimed that probably Republicans are blocking the legislature since 1950 in Massachusetts Democrats control the legislature and frankly the last twenty years -- that in -- super majority and their spending habits may be closing in -- look like my answers the bottom line is.
Mitt Romney did the best he could with a bad situation improved in when he started and -- the job operation Massachusetts was fiftieth when he ended it was 28 now whether that's thirtieth.
47 I don't know but the ones -- -- it and it's an improvement.
And you guys don't -- yeah.
I'll put out here.
I have I have a quote for you and -- the Internet Internet says this.
Massachusetts that's -- that's how you wanna -- -- say that.
Massachusetts also ahead about the lowest unemployment rate in the country under Romney again.
The liberals are not good at using -- says Mike Carter.
And environment well and you might end.
Michael women in the national rate was low right we're in a different world now.
After -- bush era -- putting us in the ditch is good where we lost 9% and GDP.
On but let me give you -- -- and tell me who loses I'd be embarrassed if I didn't always ask for federal money when it ever got the chance -- -- -- that is.
That would be Mitt Romney and Mitt Romney made sure he was getting his federal money that -- that would -- state legislature and that's -- Eliza does elevate his -- wasn't it was actually in front of a business association where he was schooling them had a -- like he did it being all the subsidies that I could choose -- unemployment.
Went down to four point 6% and the bottom line is because national race and that's a -- -- like -- it was like no I'm -- well let's let's -- lowest job creation rate.
Along at 47 verses on the rest of the kind of this -- relax -- and.
Where you're -- sort of Louisiana and forgot about that you know it but -- -- -- -- he lowered the unemployment and he dealt with that you look liberal legislature would blow your mind away the mere fact that he was able to do that without.
Raising personal income taxes is a credit to somebody you can take a bad situation and improve it you guys that they're -- inherited bad -- -- -- by two meters or.
I was advising him are you going with that Massachusetts legislature I'd be running on Romney care and the provisions.
That -- provide for.
Those that have.
-- either -- that should be on their young adult insurance or those that have preexisting conditions that's what I'd be running.
After obamacare say its own -- I was okay go ahead for the Obama again that is -- that is a state law.
It is you said on numerous occasions to me that it had a negligible impact on jobs but we know darn well that obamacare could very well -- struck down and it is going to be a net impact on small business if it is -- now there is one thing -- -- guys have to worry about if obamacare is struck down and that is making sure.
One popular provision they're stays intact through other forms of legislation.
Is keeping children that are you know 26 under on their parents writer and -- He likes anybody like six young people know what I'm getting this is your last word is a little ahead aren't in the afternoon hypocrisy of this all is individual mandate which is central to the consideration on the Supreme Court.
That to Heritage Foundation Romney -- you Rhode -- all have reported.
On but they but they were mentioning that -- -- supporting it doesn't help -- get go I think it's the last word we don't know how many releases any idea if it's the last word gentlemen we thank you very much.
-- -- spirited conversation we met David -- -- and brought something that's not -- just to bring -- back together.
And we'll get the last -- to -- -- whoever came -- the latest Obama and should be fired.
It gave an opening Romney remind voters that Obama has -- 6161000000000008.
Point to a sixteen trillion debt debt.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- That's what -- how could that not be coming from the White House.
And now can you possibly say that the writer is saying -- -- come from the White House obviously you did who else it was in that room the pizza delivery guy.
A plumber in the corner of the working on the sink.
It had to be somebody from the president's entourage.
So I think this is a real contradiction that's gonna have to be examined.
