Valerie Jarrett at Netroots

[proud2BlibKansan]

Says she has never heard Obama raise his voice.

Obama wants those around him to challenge him. No 'yes men'.

Asked about cage match between her and Rahm :rofl:

President wanted to make sure energy from campaigning transferred into WH. But also wants order and organization.

He is good about including junior staff in meetings, etc.

She is thrilled to have this opportunity. Humbled by it. Also scared.

Work is exhausting.

About tea parties - Obama wants to move away from that rhetoric. Small segment trying to scare people, especially elderly people. (applause)

Protesters underestimating the American people.

Thousands of meetings going on without disruptions.



Asked if there was a 'black table' in the cafeteria. :rofl:

She said many don't have time for lunch.

How many of 300,000 resumes WH received were seriously considered? She said many of them. Lots of talent to consider. Still constantly looking for new people.

Lobbyist influence - So many talented people who didn't lobby, this has not been a problem. Made a few exceptions. Trying to work around lobbyists now.

Question: Will prez call blue dogs in and threaten federal funding for their districts?
Answer: She knows there is lots of frustration. Obama is not one to punish or act in anger. He is counting on us to put pressure on our reps. Works best when we pressure, rather than the prez applying it. We should organize our bloggers and work hard o get this done.

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. Q about birthers:

Do you believe they are a. crazy, b. racist, or c. crazy and racist?

Laughter - says this is ridiculous. We need to talk about health care. Lots of misinformation. Then people will start to pay attention and those giving out misinformation will be marginalized.

Need to educate people.

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Q: Will prez veto bill that does not contain public option?

A: Prez wants public option. He has made that clear. Competition is necessary. Doesn't want to fast forward and talk about what he will veto.

[babylonsister]

4. That's great to read! Thanks for keeping us 'in the loop', proud!

:patriot:

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. Q; about difference in age groups supporting/not supporting reform

A: This is why Obama wanted to do AARP forum.

If people understand what is in bill, they will see that it helps them.

Need uniform billing system.

Technology can help improve care.

Cleveland Clinic is good model.

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. Q: about LGBT issues

She cares a great deal abut this and so does president. Prez will seek repeal in Congress of DADT. Also doesn't like DOMA. Want it repealed as well.
Told us to pressure Congress.

[Pirate Smile]

5. My stream just dropped. Did yours? - its back now

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. No but I am here at Netroots

not streaming

[proud2BlibKansan]

8. Q: torture

Someone shouted out about pictures.

Obama wants to change tone, is traveling around world to set different tone at international level.

Shout out about Blackwater: she says Obama is trying to deal with contractors. (loud hissing from audience) She says we have to give it time. Only 6 months. Military at risk every day defending our country. Prez must balance this with transparency.

[proud2BlibKansan]

9. Q: immigration reform

Prez wants this. He is committed to it. Has pulled members of congress to begin dialog. Real solution is long term immigration reform. Obama is moving forward, may not happen till beginning of next year.

[mascarax]

10. thanks for the updates! (n/t)

[Hissyspit]

11. kick nt

[goclark]

12. Wow! Can she be the press secretary?

I like the way the way she presents the message.

[bleever]

13. "He is counting on us to put pressure on our reps. Works best when we pressure, rather than the prez

applying it. We should organize our bloggers and work hard to get this done."

[benny05]

14. This is why Health Care Reform got thrown under the bus

This isn't exactly showing leadership within the party. Sorry, but the Blue Dogs sold out already. Obama and Jarrett are dead wrong about this. We have been putting the pressure on for years, and they turned their backs on us.

The WH needs to go to Tim Kaine and have the DNC threaten no support for the Blue Dogs unless they reconsider the public option. Let the Blue Dogs figure out how to get their own funding and no votes from us, but supporting other progressive candidates instead.

I also read there were protesters hissing at Jarrett.

[Hawkowl]

15. Obama's a wuss

That's what I got out of this from Jarrett. Obama won't fight and apparently can't fight for what is right, because it's not in his nature?