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Will media repeat Jindal's false attack on Obama, or correct it?

February 24, 2009 6:17 pm ET by Jamison Foser

According to Ben Smith, Bobby Jindal will accuse Obama of pessimism tonight, saying:

A few weeks ago, the President warned that our nation is facing a crisis that he said ‘we may not be able to reverse.’ Our troubles are real, to be sure. But don’t let anyone tell you that we cannot recover - or that America’s best days are behind her.

Smith didn't mention this, but Jindal's claim is false.  Obama didn't say "we may not be able to reverse" the crisis; he said if we continue to do nothing, it may reach a point where it cannot be reversed.  And he didn't say "we cannot recover" or that "America's best days are behind her."  Simply didn't happen.

Here's Obama's February 5 op-ed:

What Americans expect from Washington is action that matches the urgency they feel in their daily lives -- action that's swift, bold and wise enough for us to climb out of this crisis.

Because each day we wait to begin the work of turning our economy around, more people lose their jobs, their savings and their homes. And if nothing is done, this recession might linger for years. Our economy will lose 5 million more jobs. Unemployment will approach double digits. Our nation will sink deeper into a crisis that, at some point, we may not be able to reverse.

That's why I feel such a sense of urgency about the recovery plan before Congress. With it, we will create or save more than 3 million jobs over the next two years, provide immediate tax relief to 95 percent of American workers, ignite spending by businesses and consumers alike, and take steps to strengthen our country for years to come.

UPDATE: Salon's Alex Koppelman is all over this:

That's misleading, at best, though it's a cute little frame. ("Obama doesn't believe in you!") In context, it's clear that the quote Jindal refers to means almost exactly the opposite of what he says it does.

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    • Author by magnolialover (February 24, 2009 7:49 pm ET)
         
      Jindal has been all over the place this last week, yacking about how Obama wants to build railroads from CA to Vegas, and about saving mice, and nobody corrected him. I'm sure not too many will do that tonight either. Or tomorrow for that matter.

      I don't mind criticisms at all, if they're valid, or factual at least. What Jindal has been flapping his lips about isn't factual at all. Now, if he could at least disagree factually, that would be something different.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by princeofwheels (February 24, 2009 7:51 pm ET)
           
        Jinny is Palin in drag. They spout the same crap to get ahead. But Jinny will have problems with women because of his past problems with certain women.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by carlileb5935 (February 24, 2009 8:48 pm ET)
             

          He's also an unattractive little guy. That's the GOP stud alternative to Obama? Mr. Charisma?

          Ha.

          Report Abuse
    • Author by princeofwheels (February 24, 2009 7:49 pm ET)
         

      Jindal is a muslim who does not have a legitimate birth certificate. He surrounds himself with unrepentent therapists. He is willing to forego money for his people to further his political career. He has tried to organize a community in his state, another community organizer. He can't be trusted.

      P.S. I know that these are lies but I am practicing to become a undercover spy and infiltrate the Conservative party.

       

      Report Abuse
      • Author by Tbone Slickens (February 24, 2009 8:00 pm ET)
           
        Get your story straight at least POW.  He was Hindu!  
        Report Abuse
      • Author by 1st Republic 14th Star (February 24, 2009 10:15 pm ET)
           
        Isn't that Piyush "Bobby" HUSSEIN Jindal? Or perhaps, in homage to Ann Coulter, P. HUSSEIN Jindal? You know -- the Muslim who wasn't born in the United States, was raised as a Muslim, attended a madrassa, took his oath of office in Arabic while holding a Koran, and pals around with domestic terrorists?
        Report Abuse
    • Author by Übermensch (February 24, 2009 8:09 pm ET)
         
      I wonder if Ann Coulter will refer to Governer Jindal by his given name of Piyush Jindal? Since she was a big fan of using President Obama's middle name during the campaign when referencing him.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by steeve (February 24, 2009 9:19 pm ET)
         
      "don’t let anyone tell you that America’s best days are behind her". Yeah, don't let anyone tell you that hurling mice against a wall is fun, either.

      What the hell is wrong with these people? They can't even coherently criticize a position that they vehemently oppose? I don't care what sort of evil moronic shill you are. Criticizing something you hate is on about the same level as speaking.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by my_only058642 (February 24, 2009 11:33 pm ET)
         
      Pres. Barack Obama’s tax plan delivers broad-based tax relief to middle class families and cuts taxes for small businesses and companies that create jobs in America, while restoring fairness to our tax code and returning to fiscal responsibility. Through my payday loan source, I found out that Republican leaders are not the only party that seems to disagree with President Barack Obama’s tax cut proposals. His fellow Democrats are none too keen on his economic plan. The new President of the United States unveiled his economic stimulus plan he calls the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. Democratic leaders have proclaimed their opposition, stating that the tax cuts outlined in the plan will not encourage spending. The stimulus checks that were sent out last year during the Bush Administration made little difference, and many argue that this plan will be just the same. Nonetheless, President Obama is determined to restore some good in the economy by also putting restrictions on some business tax breaks. Read this article to find out more about this political conflict on the payday loan blog at PersonalMoneyStore.com.
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    • Author by sanfelz2666 (February 25, 2009 8:49 am ET)
         

      Can the Republicans really believe Jindal is their best spokesperson with the same tired arguments? The governor of La., which is on a constant stimulus plan with money from the Federal Government, does not say where the market will get the capital to support capitalism. He merely supports the failed policies that put nthe world into the financial mess.

      But I guess it is better than McCain arguing for taxpayers to build schools in Iraq but not in the US.

      Report Abuse

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