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FREDDIE LEE/FOX NEWS SUNDAY
Rep. Eric I. Cantor, R-Va., appeared on “Fox News Sunday” following President Barack Obama’s speech on health care to Congress.
Published: September 15, 2009
Updated: September 15, 2009
Related:
Cantor: BlackBerry use was note-taking, not disrespect to Obama
A Richmond businessman today launched his bid to unseat Rep. Eric I. Cantor, R-7th, with a stinging attack on the House Republican whip’s conduct.
Charlie Diradour released a YouTube video that he said raises questions about Cantor’s BlackBerry use during President Barack Obama’s nationally televised speech on health care.
The ad by Diradour, who is seeking the 2010 Democratic nomination to run against Cantor, features three Twitter feeds on what appears to be Cantor’s account that are time-stamped during Obama’s speech.
Cantor told the Richmond Times-Dispatch he was taking notes about the contents of the speech. The video, however, indicates the tweets address Cantor’s scheduled television appearances.
Ray Allen Jr., senior stratgist for Cantor for Congress, said “no tweets went out during the president’s speech—period.“
“This charge is an outrageous lie. It is amazing that someone who thinks he wants to represent the good people of the 7th district would begin his camaign with an outgrageous lie and fabrication.“
Cantor’s posts, when viewed in eastern time, posted after President Obama’s speech ended, Allen said.
According to the White House, Obama began speaking at 8:16 p.m. and ended at 9:03 p.m.
“It’s not surprising when you consider that Nancy Pelosi went and recruited someone to run against Congressman Cantor who doesn’t even live in the 7th district,“ Allen said.
The Web video also points out that the House rules of decorum and debate include a provision that members shall “refrain from eating, smoking or using electronic equipment, including cellular phones or lap top computers, on the floor.“
Cantor drew national attention for what was perceived as a lack of respect for Obama. Diradour says Cantor’s alleged Twitter feeds are “sadly a metaphor for what’s wrong with politics today.“
In the video, Diradour says: “I believe my opponent has just demonstrated why he’s a card-carrying member of those who make up the most-pampered, out-of-touch and politically rude class of elite Washington politicians in this country’s history.“
Diradour posted the video on YouTube this morning.
He said he is letting the video speak for itself, but that “It’s an example of failed leadership.“
Reader Reactions
This is very simple. When the Republicans do it, it’s wrong. When the Democrats do it, it’s wrong.
Quoting what happened 100 years ago is not particularly relevant. The Romans stabbed a leader on the legislative floor; do we want that, too? Do we want to duke it out like in the Phillipine assembly, too? How about French gun duels on the floor? Why not go for doing it the way the Somalis do it and make it a free-for-all I’m the biggest, baddest (____) here and you’re gonna do what I say or I’ll blow your head off and take your ship while I’m at it? Heck, if civility is not needed, then let’s settle it the way gangs do. Yeah, that’s the way they “water the tree of [what they perceive as] liberty,“ the old-fashioned blood-thirsty way that let’s everyone know who’s boss and the way things roll.
It’s interesting to watch how some of the same people who want to say “Stop talking about Bush; he’s not the president now, we’re talking about the current president” are quick to step up with their own “Well, when Bush was president” mini-speeches when it is convenient for their purposes.
Well, President Bush was a liar and a loser. He’s also responsible for most of the mess this country is in and is the worst president in the history of this nation. And that is saying something.
“unprecedented classless behavior”
Not really.
May 22 1856 Charles Sumner was beaten senseless on the Senate floor.
2005 Democrats boo President Bush. Senator Reid calls President Bush a liar and looser.
President Obama is entitled to the respect shown President Bush and no more.
I think many of the things that were said about the previous President was not said while he was speaking to Congress- my whole issue with much of this healthcare debate is if the Eric Cantors of Republican party have a plan to reform healthcare—why didn’t they speak up while the previous President was in office.—and yes Democrats have overstepped with disrespect but not to the degree we have seen this time around.
Nookly:
if you didn’t hear anything new, it is because you choose not to listen.
However, what I want to know is, if you had no problem with the unprecedented classless behavior demonstrated by the SC representative then you certainly had no problem with an Iraqi journalist throwing a show at our president and you were outraged when he was jailed… yeah.. .that’s what I thought
Wow another great comment by naturelover. If naturelover has a job, clearly there are jobs for the stupid. If people should respect the president no matter what, why is it that the dems got on television for 8 years saying some of the most hateful things one can imagine? Obama’s speach was nothing new. As Obama once said, “words, just words”. That is all he is, just words. If you think your elected official, regardless of party, is really out there fighting for you, you should seek the truth. They all lie to us to get elected and to keep power. Obama said he would clean up DC, but he will not. America needs to clean up DC by voting them all out.
It just goes to show that if you don’t realize just how transparent this type of technology is then you are too stupid to have a job much less be a member of congress. What a maroon.
No matter what Mr. Cantor was doing - he was rude and disrespectful. No matter what you think of President Obama or the Democrats- one who is elected to represent his constituents should act like a leader and show respect for the President.
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