Obama lampoons Hoekstra on congressman's home turf

[babylonsister]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2010/07/obama-criticizes-hoekstra-on-c.html


Obama criticizes Hoekstra on congressman's home turf

By Anne E. Kornblut


HOLLAND, Mich. -- President Obama took a shot at Rep. Pete Hoekstra during an event here Thursday, subtly taunting the Michigan Republican - who was seated in the front row - as among those who opposed the federal stimulus package but showed up at a groundbreaking ceremony funded by it.

Obama welcomed Hoekstra during his opening remarks. At the same moment, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs sent a note to reporters pointing out Hoekstra as a "great quote opportunity!" in the audience. Hoekstra, who is running for Michigan governor, has been a vocal critic of the stimulus package.

"There are some folks who want to go back - who think we should return to the policies that helped to lead to this recession," Obama said later in his comments honoring a new advanced battery factory being built by the company LG Chem. "Some made the political calculation that it's better to obstruct than lend a hand. They said no to the tax cuts, they said no to small business loans, they said no to clean energy projects. It doesn't stop them from coming to ribbon cuttings -- but that's OK. "

Hoekstra, interviewed afterward, called Obama's remarks "unpresidential." :cry:

"It demeans the office of the president. It's disappointing. It is unpresidential," Hoekstra said. "This is my home district. These people are paying the taxes that he's handing out today. I'm here to respect the office of the president, and I don't think he reciprocated."

He said he would have preferred to spend the money on lower taxes rather than subsidies for new factories.

[geckosfeet]

1. Obama publicly takes on congressman who opposed stimulus

Lower taxes for who, Pete? What a duplicitous POS.

Jobs and stimulus no, tax cuts for the rich yes.

For the record Petey boy, taxes to be used to build that power facility come from the country, not your district, Petey boy.

Obama publicly takes on congressman who opposed stimulus

Is it bad form to attend a ribbon cutting celebration when you voted against paying for the project? Rep. Peter Hoekstra, R-Michigan, sat smiling in the front row today as President Obama marked the groundbreaking of a new stimulus-funded project in Holland, Michigan.

"We are pleased to have in attendance with us today, and seated in the front row, Congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Pete Hoekstra, in attendance to show his support for a robust Recovery Act investment right here in Michigan," tweaked President Obama.

Yet Hoekstra, who represents the district, voted against the very stimulus funding that provided the $151 million to build the LG Chem Power Plant where the presidential event was held.

Obama publicly takes on congressman who opposed stimulus

[BootinUp]

2. K&R

[pruple]

3. such a tool

he doesn't deserve any respect.

[flpoljunkie]

4. No, Hoekstra. You were rightly called out. Votes matter!

[JoePhilly]

5. SMACK!!

[Ian David]

6. We need MORE of this. Shame them and call them on their bullshit EVERY time. n/t

[ck4829]

7. Hoaxstra just got a bodyslam from the President of the United States. K&R.

[alsame]

8. I'm guessing Hoekstra didn't

fly back to DC on AF One. :rofl:

[Enrique]

9. +1

more please! And next time ask him to stand up and take a bow!

Oh, and ROFL at Hoekstra's whiny response. :rofl:

[firedupdem]

10. He should STFU

He said he would have preferred to spend the money on lower taxes rather than subsidies for new factories.


Lower taxes for who?

[Peacetrain]

11. K&R!!

Poor Little Hoekstra.. my heart just breaks for him :) NOT

[catbyte]

12. I saw Hoekstra whining on the local news this morning

Gawd, what a loser! He was all indignant--you know, that fake indignation Republicans get. He came off looking like a wimp and sore loser. AWESOME!

Diane

Anishnabe in MI

[Cha]

13. hoekstra: "You're not suppose to give the facts in my home turf"

:cry::cry: Suck it up whiney.