CNN

Only if the republicans manage to force all Americans to forget the travesty of the Bush years. If they had stood up to Bush we wouldn't be in this situation now.

For 12 years until the 2006 election, the GOP controlled Congress. Last December the GOP called Nancy Pelosi an obstructionist because she wanted to review Bush's bailout plans before voting on it. The GOP pushed, the Dems caved, and the banks and Wall Street laughed, partied, and danced on the taxpayer nickel. So, are the Republicans in any position to lecture President Obama on fiscal responsibility? No, as in no way, no shape, no form and hell no! They should all be ashamed to show their faces in public.

It seems to me that the Republicans do nothing but disagree with Preident Obama. After the Bush administration and backing Sarah Palin, I am suprised thedont have their mouths ductaped. They need to take it on the chin and cooperate as best they can.

By that logic, what business does the United States have at any peace talks? On average, we're involved in a major war every 20 years. Good advice is good advice, no matter who's giving it, Jack.

OMG Jack, I almost fainted. You aren't serious??? Please tell me this is a rhetorical question. Where were the Republicans for eight long years before we hit rock bottom? Oh, that's right, they were diligently, without regulation, digging this ditch. Aaahhh...tell them thanks, but no thanks.

Republicans are offering that the only way out of the financial canyon we are in is to keep doing what got us into the canyon in the first place. It seems the Republicans are out of creative solutions to fix the problems because all they have to offer is criticism. No one can say, other than more tax cuts, what the Republicans would do to fix the mess they created. They continue to feel sorry for themselves and still cannot believe they lost the election. Lost in a vast ocean of feeling sorry for themselves the Republicans are leaderless and there is not a savior in sight for them. The Republicans must recognize Ronald Reagan, deregulation, and trickle down finally died November 4, 2008. The Republicans are unable to admit their philosophy of 30 years failed their party. Apparently the whole load of bricks will have to fall on their heads before they will change their mantra.

The Republicans aren't in any position to lecture anyone. They preach tax paired with less spending, but they only exercise the tax cuts, and those are primarily for people who make more than a fair day's pay for very little work. On top of that, they are champions of military spending–even when there is no need for it–and serving pet projects.

I remember the 480 billion dollar medicare plan that was a complete bust. I remember the 700 billion and counting cost of the Iraq war. Now that they have been booted out they want to go back to their fundamentals. Sorry, no do-overs. Tax cuts for wealthiest and trickle down economics do not work when there is so much GREED in our wealthiest citizens.

Please. They remind me of a dog chasing his tail and not knowing which way to go. They have a long way to go to get back in the good graces of their party or until the Democrats make a big blunder.

Jack, the time for the pot to call the kettle black has long since past. Both parties, like the pot and the kettle (and the American people), have been smoked up by this economic mess. And all of the name-calling won't change one blessed thing. If there ever was a time for all to roll up our sleeves and get to scrubbing up this mess, it is now.

Only if 1.6 trillion in tax cuts for people who don't need it is fiscally repsonsible. Only if conducting multiple wars and not including their cost in the annual budget is fiscally responsible. Only if running huge deficits and saying it does'nt matter is fiscally responsible. Since they are still claiming that tax cuts for the wealthy will create jobs, I guess they still haven't learned anything about being fiscally responsible. They don't walk the walk.

You have to be kidding, right Jack? Man that is crazy. What have you been smoking. I want what you got. Fiscal responsibility let's see, tax cuts to the very wealthy from who nothing trickles down. That was ridiculous, now then let's see.. huge increases in military spending, war, borrowing to pay for it, Oh, I forgot corruption and ineptness. They are out but the odor lingers..

Gotta tell ya Jack, I think the GOP is in no position to cast aspersions. Did you see the response by Governor Jindal? It was so out of touch it was downright embarrassing. Is he competing with Governor Palin and Representative Cantor to see who can say the dumbest things? If so, he's winning.

Pablo in Arlington, Texas

Is Dick Cheney in a position to be giving hunting tips?

jack, its a joke. once republicans gets into office they spend like crazy until the american people wake up and kick them out of office then they go back to their so call principles ( fiscal responsibility) remember ronald reagan, george bush. when will we ever learn!

Kenneth from Richardson,TX
Hi Jack, The Republican party really needs to get a grip. The Presidential campaign is over, the Democrats won and they lost. It seems to me that the Republican party is still trying to play politics. Nobody cares about politics anymore. We are on the brink of a grade "A" depression! After withstanding what this country has been put through by Bush and his gang over the past 8 years, they are in no position to give anyone a lecture, let alone President Obama.

The largest deficits we've ever experienced have been with two Republican Presidents - Reagan and Bush, Jr. They can lecture all they want to deaf ears!

Rick, OH

Hell, no! There is a real "myth" out there about Republicans and fiscal responsibility but the FACT is that under both Reagan and both Bushes, spending went up and up.

What hypocrisy for Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal to ask the question about borrowing money from our children. Where was this bold speech during his years in congress when he rubber-stamped every spending and borrowing bill President Bush proposed? He says he passed ethics legislation in Louisiana, but failed to mention he blocked it from pertaining to the Governor's office. He says Louisiana's "spirit" rebuilt New Orleans, but he didn't mention the billions of dollars in federal aid. If Jindal and Palin are the future of the Republican party, then the party's over.

Are you kidding? In the seven years that the Republicans had control of Congress under Bush they spent money like a compulsive shopper with an unlimited debit card. They remind me of the old joke: When the husband asked the wife, "How come the checking account is overdrawn?' "OVERDRAWN? We can't be I still have checks." was her reply. Give them a test, see if anyone of them can spell fiscal responsibility.
Brian
Astoria, NY

the GOP is in position to talk fiscal responsibility as much as David Vitter is to teach family values

Obviously not. They ran up the largest deficits we've ever seen and basically doubled the national debt. Now they get to crow because President Obama has to deal with it.

The president will do what he feels is best for the country. Republicans are entitled to disagree. But to stand in the way of something that may just work is fairly un-american.

Full disclosure: I'm a Democrat who isn't sure that the stimulus was the best effort we could have made, who thinks that Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid should step in front of a speeding bus and who thinks that Republicans should have a seat at the table but should learn a word other than "no".

That is a huge negative. Suggesting tax cuts, less regulation, and the free market contributed heavily into getting us into the "pickle" we are in!
Insanity is doing the same thing over & over & expecting results. The only time I can think of doing over & over and expect different results are back when I used to use a dial-up to connect to Prodigy.

Jindal's rejection of the stimulus package for his state is about as logical as his saying that the private sector can handle events like Katrina. The Republicans must think the entire country lives in the back woods where they live.

They should have thought twice before having someone who came across like Kenneth the Page (from 30 Rock) talking down to the public. And it amazed me away to hear a governor who had benefited from so much federal money after Katrina complain about government spending.

When Senator Olympia Snowe stood up against the crazy budget that Bush put forward and said Bush would be lucky to get half that, the national Republican Party questioned her patriotism. Some PAC goons in New York put TV ads on Maine television stations castigating senator Snowe.

Now they see the light? Yeah, right.

The only way that they have room to talk is if they go to all the millionaires they made through no-bid contracts, payoffs, lapsed regulation, and bailouts and got the money back. In other words, not a chance.

It is interesting that a arty that was created with such liberal ideas as freeing the slaves, stopping monopolies, and regulating industry should become the party of unbridled greed, corporate interests, and deregulation. And that doesn't even begin to address their so-called fiscal conservativism!

No they are not. They are the party that ruined this country and they all need to look into the mirror and decide which of their two faces that they are going to wear. And here is hint....not the one they have worn the past 10 years. The republicans are not the party of change and never will be. The last election should have told them that and they send Jindal out there to give there response...please this guy is worthless just like his party. My own brother is a republican and I would not even vote for him either.

So glad you asked this question because this is definitely the question that those of us in Middle America continually ask everytime CNN or other media folks interview a Republican and want to know why they are against the President's Stimulus Package. Even your Republican Strategists continually talk about how the President and the Democrats are building the debt and they (the Republicans) are not OPPOSITIONISTS. Only being Fiscally Responsible. What a laugh! They must think middle America has been asleep these last eight years! This is definitely the POT calling the KETTLE Black!

Jack,everyone knows the the republicans did not show the fiscal responsibility that they promised in their contract with America,but Jindal is right we have to get back to less spending and less government,we are way to close to the communist beliefs!!!!

Gov Jindal is a joke. How many Millions of Tax Payer dollars did he take after Katrina? Yet he is telling everyone that the Government does not help. Well yeah, when the Government response is run by Republicans He is right.

If you are a Republican ask yourself this question. How much did the Bush Tax Cuts put directly into your pocket? How much did the Bush, so called, Fiscal Responsibal policies put directly in your pocket?

Jack, get serious! But we shouldn't be shocked by the GOP's efforts to obsure and restructure history. They distorted truth throughout every campaign and historical turning point for the last 10 years. And their cronies in banking and the stockmarket demontrate the same unconscionable, irresbonsible behavior, even to this day. After all that has been publicized about their extravagent, excessive self-indulgence after taking taxpayer bailout money, they still defend their fat bonuses, and justify the million dollar junkets. Jindal had the insensitive audacity to cite Katrina recovery as a demonstrated accomplishment of his politic. Does that tell you something? What a ticket/ Jindal & Palin... Oh my!

Heck no! It's quite humorous and sickening listening to them try to be the voice of fiscal responsiblity. After the last 8 years of spending to the tune of 11 trillion dollars, they have absolutely no credibility on the matter. In fact, the Republicans need to be bound and gagged anytime the subject comes up.

I find it so humorous... not that being in a depression is funny.
To think that the Republicans can talk about 'irresponsibility' is funny.
Sorry guys,... this one takes the cake. After all the damage that has been done, all the recklessness, greed, fraud, lies, and total disregard for the public and democracy the last eight years. How anyone individual could get up and say that 'what Mr. Obama is trying to do' to pull the country, the world....out of what could be a total meltdown, 'irresponsible', is, ...is...( I can't say it because you wouldn't be able to print it)
so I will just say is stupidly funny!

Are you kidding Jack? The way that Republicans and the Democrats waste OUR money makes Bernie Madoff look penny ante. He ripped off several hundred but, the government rips off everybody with their version of Ponzi. They always get away with it by blaming the other guys. All are to blame.

Jindal was basically saying, "Do as we say, not as we do." Just ignore the hypocrisy behind the curtain...

Maybe Gov Jindal doesn't need the stim money because of all the Federal & charitable disater aid his state received after Katrina. I wonder if Gov Jindal was in the House of representatives during the 2001 – 2006 reign of Bush 43 & voted for all those Republican spending bills that got us our deficit.

I love Jindal and Barber saying they won't accept stimulous money from Democrats because it is too much debt. In the last two years Lousiana has accepted 30 billion and Mississipi accepted 25 billion from the Republicans and didn't accomplish much with it. So, I'd agree that these Republicans should get what they ask for..nothing..

The Republicans should be given a big serving of "shut the hell up" and be told to go sit in the corner. Their actions during the Bush years shows they lack any credibility.

Pot meet kettle. No the Republicans keep hammering away on more tax cuts and smaller government as if that had a successful track record. I want government inspecting peanut plants and I'll pay more taxes for better schools.

A joke, right?

No more now than they have been for the past eight years.

Of course not. They should change their name to the Hypocrite Party. How can you trust someone that admits their party got away from its principles? What makes you think they are going to change? The Republican principles are good ones. They just NEVER follow them...ever!!!

Sure Jack!

It's like the frustrated artist that can't sell his or her work and decides to teach art instead!

Jindal knows how to pick them. Turning down the unemployment package would only put the screws to people who don't vote Republican. Jindal is playing politics while Rome burns. If this financial crisis was a murder the Republican party would be covered in blood and would test positive on the Parrifan Test.

Thats simple. Can donkeys fly?

Jack,

Listening to Republicans lecture us on fiscal responsibility is a bit like getting advice on eating a healthy diet from Ronald McDonald. When your party has been in power for 8 straight years and presided over the biggest economic train wreck since the 1930’s, it is probably best to zip your collective lips for a while.

Perhaps Republicans can lend their expertise to the country in other areas such as reforming Social Security, solving global warming, developing green energy, or strategies for waging effective and efficient military campaigns in the Middle East. Hmmm…then again, maybe the ‘Silence is Golden’ strategy is the best course after all.

Peter Monk
Lake Oswego, Oregon

I was so discusted with Jindal's response that i didn't even watch it all. I found it insulting to the American people.

Absolutely NOT! How dare Governor Jindal turn down the stimulus package that could help so many people hurting in Louisiana just to make his stupid point. What a loser.

Does the Governor not see this entire economic mess as the "tab" for an 8 year fiscal binge by so-called conservative Republican pols and their buddies outside DC? Is he the best the Republicans have to rebut the President? My dad who was a life-long Republican must be spinning in his grave.

No, they're not and the President shouldn't listen to them! The problem for republicans is that voters finally figured out that people who think government can't possibly work have no business running the government. It's like hiring someone to run your business who doesn't think business can be profitable and then firing them when the company is going under so you can save it. Would you hire them back as a consultant, Jack? I sure wouldn't.

Responsibilty, is it in the Washington dictionary? I think not! They were quick to poke fingers at the Detroit automakers for taking corporate jets to Washington. Has Nancy Pelosi given up her government jet in these hard times? The same rules should apply to all if they are serious about responsibilty! Maybe a look in the mirror would be good before dictating responsibilty to anyone else! Thanks Jack, help bring the word back to Washington! Sincerely Jack

Tsk Tsk Tsk- they still don't get it! Just because you change the color of leadership of the party doesn't mean you can fool all of the public all of the time. Looks like Jindal will be Sarah Palin version 2!

I don't think they are in any way, form, or shape in a position to tell the nation what to do. Its has now become a cliche that (Republicans) "had their 8 yrs, look what they did". But its the sad truth. Am really ashamed to look at politicians who will go to any extent to deprive their own constituents any kind of help just because they have their own political aspirations. Sadly, Jindal is a prime example. The poorest state in the nation refuses free money. Just WOW.

Jack, is this a trick question? Um, I would say NO! Their party is bereft of ideas they have one slogan, TAX CUTS, and no ideas, they took a perfectly good Country and with the help of their inept leader George Bush threw it under the bus, now they want people to listen to their crap, I say to them, Talk to the hand!!

NO! Fiscal Responsibility would be having these businesses asking for bailouts to pay the full amount of their bailout plus interest to the American people. Fiscal responsibility would be making those predatory lenders work as many jobs as necessary to pay back the difference of the housing values from the bad loans they gave out from the current home values and pay interest on that amount until its paid in full. I don't think anyone in government understands fiscal responsibility.

after 8 years of fiscal irresponsibility by the repubicans they should be shut up. at least Obama is trying to do something positve

from Illinois –
No, Jack. All they did for the last eight years was spend and cut taxes and let Bush have whatever he wanted. They are the last ones who should lecture anyone on fiscal responsibility. I'm LOL.

All I heard out of Bobby Jindal talking for his party was more of the same agenda as they had under Bush so I did not hear anything new. The Republicans are out of touch.

No, the GOP must be awfully proud of this terrible mess. If not they would not be whining about our President trying to undo it. They either need to do their job on the pot or get off and help. It sounded like the same person wrote Jindal's speech, that wrote Palin's. Ouch!!!

These Republicans really have a skewed view of reality and are in no way in a position to talk fiscal responsibility. It is very funny to see them all speak on how they want this Democratic president to succeed, when all they've done is continuously try and throw barriers in his way. They are quick to point the finger, but they fail to realize that it is always pointing right back at them.

The current problems lead right to the republican dooestep, and they will do anything to make the american people think that it all "just happened" since President Obama was sworn in. They seem to give two "solutions" , more tax cuts for the rich or do nothing.
While we are on the subject of the republican response; does Bobby Jindal think we are all in kindergarden, that is how his speech came across, guess he was talking to the republican base.

OH, now they worry about fiscal responsibility, after doubling our debt, spending $10 million a month in Iraq, another few million in Afganistan, bailing out banks they want to scream fiscal resposibility. I think I figured out republicans out. They don't tax and spend, they barrow and spend.

Governor Bobby Jindal sounded almost foolish as he tried to talk about the faults of the stimulus package. He must have drawn the short straw. The Republicans are going to have to do better than that. Everyone in America knows who helped put us in this mess and President Obama didn't mince any words as he lay the blame at their feet. He reminds them daily that this was waiting for him as he moved into the oval office. Last night he told America that the costs of the Iraq War were real and needed to be a part of the budget and not put into a separate wrapper. The Republicans have a long way to go in convincing the American public that they have better plans for our future.

Why not? Ted Haggard preaches on sexual morality and Newt Gingrich espouses family values – how many wives later?

Susan
Tuscaloosa AL

Not just No, but HELL NO. After these last 8 ruinous years of Bush, it seems unlikely we will get out of the hole he put us in any time soon. In my book, he still is vulnerable to all kinds of impeachable charges, not the least of which is the tremendous deficit he left us with...

Obama said it best, "The Deficit we inherited." That's all the answer you need.

Hello Jack,

Eight years of George W. Bush spending like a drunken sailor, and now the GOP wants oversight and financial responsibility?
Shame on them. Any lecturing by the GOP should be done in front of a full-length mirror.

Janet
Yosemite Gateway, California

Absolutely not. They tried what they thought would work, and it didn't. Why would you argue that a hammer works when it didn't in the past when Democrats want to try something new?

When the GOP can present a person who can actually claim a fiscally responsible record, then that person can lecture the nation on fiscal responsibility. Otherwise, they are just as guilty as the Democrats on irresponsible spending.

i think the Republicans have hurt our country horribly. they are absolutely in no position to criticize a democratic president for more spending to help the economy and Amreica

Gov. Jindal's chances of leading the Republicans back the Whitehouse began and ended last night. He reminded the nation just how out of touch (with reality) the RNC is.

Someone needs to be fiscally responsible. The democrats have controlled Congress the last 2 years and the federal debt has increased 2 trillion dollars. Obama has said that deficits don't matter so we see where he stands. I only hope that the republicans try to hold spending. If not we are in much worse trouble in the near future than we are now.

I guess Betty Ford wasn't in any position to lecture against drinking and drug abuse either.

Are you kidding me? The American people already answered that question when we rejected the Republicans fiscal irresponsibilty of the last 8 years in the last election. Its like calling the elephant calling the donkey fat.

Simply. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

They are in no position to lecture anyone on anything. Their "revered dead man" Ronald Reagan started the deregulation and voodoo economics that has gotten us here. Bush's incompetence and drunken sailor spending sealed our present fate. The GOP needs to do some soul searching. If Jindal is their "disciple", the Democrats are in good shape for some time to come. He sounded like Kenneth the Page on 30 Rock.

Jack,

I'm so tired of hearing the republicans talk about fiscal responsiblity when the whole world knows that they put us in this mess. I wish Bobby Jindal could wait for another two years and start campaigning for his presidential bid because its obvious he is doing that right now. Frankly, most people are mentally tired of the last election and do not need anything of that nature in these tough times

No. I expected more from the Republicans. I was proven wrong.

Republicans lecture anyone else on spending? Ha. They apparently were hiding a lot of that spending. I'm a democrat living in Texas. I'm surrounded by them.

If Bobby Jindal is the star of the Republican Party – they will really be irrelevant – his response to the President was really out of touch with the present world! What was he talking about?

When I heard Jindal's speech, I started to laugh when he said the package was irresponsible. Sure he may be the "new voice" of the party, but he should learn his place and realize there's a reason why we picked Obama over another Republican. So no, no Republican has a right to lecture about fiscal responsibility.

The Republicans are so good at "revisionist hsitoy" I am sure they believe it is all Obama's fault by now and they will darn well go about holding him acountable for the deficit he has created.

red

Jack, the Republicans are in no place to lecture on fiscal responsibility. I'm a 24 year old kid and, until George Bush, a Republican. I know what 11 trillion dollars in debt means. It means that me and my generation are screwed. Who is going to pay back this debt. I am. Thanks a lot GOP.

No matter what you do, there is always someone silly enough to stand up and be an anchor to progress. Jindal apparently drew the short straw to represent the republican anchor.

This is Republican hypocrisy and stupidity at its height. First Jindal and his ilk dare to lecture anyone about spending after they squandered our resources over the last 8 years and would have continutued doing so had the Democrats not taken over teh White House and the congress. Next, to play rank partisan politics by refusing money that his poor destitute state needs. To prove point? To position himself for the Presidency 8 years from now? Either way, sheer stupidity and hypocricy!!

I have been fuming about the way the Republicans ignore what their president did to our economy. I have heard local private citizens say "Obama has been president for a month and what has he done?" I say "a lot more to help this country than the last president."

Is this a joke? Seriously..where is the punked camera?..."Remember Kartina"?Remember the 1.7+ "Trillion" that the Reups requested and spent in 2001 alone?

I love you, Jack! I have been waiting for someone to say what you just said.

The Republicans are trying to further the insane wives tail that they are fiscal conservatives and are thrifty. Fact is, with the exception of only a very few administrations, Republicans have historically ALWAYS outspent Democratic administrations. They also tend to spend money on bombs (which explode) rather than economically productive activities like education and healthcare It's time to set the record straight once and for all!

Heck no. I would much rather spend my children's tax money on infrastructure, renewable energy and healthcare for all than to give big oil and Wall Street more tax cuts.

Bottom line, both Dems and Republicans are going to spend our money....I just like the idea of spending it on things that will directly/indirectly help the most Americans and not the wealthiest.

Jack, you are obviously an idiot. Why don't you drop the Republican versus Democrat crap. The media is mostly responsible for this unproductive divisive B.S. Why can't you just ask this question: "Is it appropriate for our government to drive our nation so deep into debt that it virtually guarantees the end of our republic as we know it?" This is the question that must be answered and the answer is YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We all need to DEMAND accountability of our law-makers. They are driving the U.S. out of business. Before long we will be like Iceland...begging Norway for money and the Krone.

Truly, the GOP needs to shut up at this point. They had eight years to lead this country, and they blew it. big-time.
The new administration has to spend big money to reinvest in our nation – a country that George Bush all but ignored while he was busy sinking billons into the big waste that has become the Iraq war. Congress needs to sit up and pay attention to the polls – The majority of Americans are behind this president, and they need to get behind him too.

Bush does not represent all Republicans
Democrats cannott lecture Bush when they just passed this horrifying bill

Jack,

Jindal's comments are shameful. Louisiana is a poor state and needs help.

What a terrible shame that the GOP chooses to create dissention instead of coming together with all Americans to create a new economic reality and an entirely new and evolved Union.

Martha Ireland

The GOP aren't in the position to say anything right now. The only responsibility they should have is keeping their mouths closed because every time one of them speaks, they only succeed in making themselves look dumb. Jindal's speech last night was a joke. How about the GOP take on the responsibility thinking before they speak...And will somebody please tell them THERE IS NO BRIDGE FROM DISNEY WORLD TO LAS VEGAS!

Should the GOP talk about how we should fix our money maters? You bet'cha. The comics need the material!

Jack
Jindal, and the rest of the Republicans, on this bandwagon of no spending, forgot that they can't fire a good shot, when their powder is wet.. .. And theirs' is saturated with the flood of spending they sailed through in the past 8 years.

Instead of continuing to dwell on the mistakes of the past administration to draw attention away from issues why can we not look at what is currently happening and assess the current spending? Keep in mind democrats were in the house and senate when the deficit was racked up and they were in control of the house when the deficit really started to rack up. Yes, BUSH made bad moves but that should not give the democrats free reign and block them from criticism.

Jack,
I'm in SC where there are two hundred thousand people unemployed. Our governor like Gov Howdy Jendyl is "thinking" about acceptine the stimulus funds for unemployement. Honestly, the GOP is in No condition to lecture anyone about anything. But that won't stop them. So we have to listen to them talk about their so – called values while their people suffer.
Elsa
Columbia, SC

the republicans are the biggest spenders in the world!

Jack, From 1980 to 2008 the National Debt rose from 1 trillion to 10 trillion dollars. During those 28 years 3 of the 4 Presidents were GOP. Now they're goin to lecture Obama on fiscal responsibility? What hypocrites!!

Jack,
We already know you have a highly developed sense of humor. But you don't have to be a show off.

The Republicans should be thanking Obama and the Democratic Party for trying to straighten out the financial mess they created over the last 8 years! Apparently, the Republicans think Obama should just give all the money to the filthy rich and let America die!

Jack: At last a responsible reporter asking a common sense question. Republicans can't shut up. They are opstructionist bent on destroying Obama and his team. They nearly succeeded in destroying our country with debt and allowing their team to rape our nation financially when bush was in power or was it cheney??
Why are you alone out there shouting at them to shut up and get to work. Hell, they are so busy working on future elections while most Americans want the party disbanded and Karl Rove arrested for treason.
Jack keep asking the right questions please.

Of course they are. Isn't Obama's presidency supposed to be a bipartisan one? Furthermore, we cannot hold the entire Republican party responsible for Bush's actions, particularly in light of the fact that he wasn't representative of the actual Republican platform. Perhaps the stimulus package is irresponsible, perhaps it isn't, but each side has a right to its argument.

Sartell, MN

Not in the slightest. Google National Debt GDP to see who has turned more of our production into debt. Bush 41 was dead on when he declared Reagan's supply side nonsense as VooDoo economics. Republicans rail at "tax and spend" Democrats. At least the Democrats want to pay for their spending. The Republicans like to say that the national debt is stealing from our grandchildren, but they have added more to the national debt than anyone. To spend is to tax. You can tax the cost of the spending now, or tax the cost of spending plus interest later. Too bad the Republicans only remember that when the Democrats are in charge.

Yes Jack, this is America last time I looked, right or wrong the Republican party has a right to air their differences, Lets not forget the Democrats have made some major blunders too, the point is hopefully they learn their lessons and we the people get the best of both parties, unless you are a communist.

This requires a well thought out response. Let's see if this works. "Duh".

No, they need to duck and run. Why can't the GOP just stand up like a man and say, " We got it wrong for eight years and we are sorry." President Obama, ring the bell and let the GOP know, "School is in session."

The Republicans lost their claim on fiscal responsibility almost 30 years ago when the Reagan administration pursued their policy of supply side economics. The national debt ballooned under Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. President Clinton was our most fiscally conservative president in decades.

Hell No, Hell No, all Hell No!

HA HA HA HA! Oh, that wasn't me. That was Obama laughing at that fact the GOP can really find anything to say. They put Bobby Jindal to speak for the crooks instead of their "first black chairman"? Hey Jindal and the GOP, spending money on the public is not irresponsible. That is what you call RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT!!! 2012 may be three years away, but I already got a headline for Jindal and the GOP:

"President Obama re-elected President of the United States!" – said by Wolf Blitzer.

Andrew
from Toronto, Canada

Certainly not to our children or grandchildren.

Dont worry they will be back to finish the job for Bush

I wonder what planet Gov. Jindal lives on that he believes Americans don't need jobs! Maybe he should give up his job and experience what the marketplace has to offer.

I have been a voting republican for 50 yrs ,the last 8 yrs have turned me off to them.. I am now a n Independant..bunch have destroyed the party.They darn sure cannot give advise on fiscal responsibily

Bobby Jindal certainly isn't. We're the poorest state in the country and last on the list of everything that's good and first on the list of everything that's bad. How can the GOP expect him to lecture the Dems on fiscal responsibility? We've begged the feds for assistance after Katrina. Finally we get some and this gas bag turns it down,

Jack, The republicans clearly have a very selective memory! I think that the media and the people of America need to keep throwing in face of republicans the exorbitant spending and deficit creation of their party during their control of all 3 rings of this circus which is our government! They have a lot of gall to wag fingers at the current administration and they should spend more time examining and and apologizing for their own role in causing the current crisis!

The Repulicans lecturing the Dems about the Stimulus bill is as credible as Alex Rodriguez lecturing voters in California on why medical marijuana is a bad idea.

Bush and Reagan, both, spent more than all previous Presidents, but that fact is not repeated over and over. It should be.
Americans have the shortest memory; especially Republicans, whom have no memory what so ever.
Chuck, Boise, Idaho

It is the Congress more than the President that sets economic policy and, as we have an unfortunate 90% re-election rate and no term limits, this Congress was largely in place when bad economic decisions were made the last 10 years. There were both republican and Democrats making those voring decisions, so YES ablsolutely can any of these clown offer their opinions, Except Maxine Waters, who is just an embarassment each time she questions anyone during a Banking Commitee meeting

Sure Republicans are in no position to lecture anyone about wildly spending like drunken sailors. But that doesn't make ridiculous spending packages by the Democrats right. You know what, they're all the same.

Hell NO!
They -the republican- are a bunch of hypocrites.
If you listen to them, you would think that the American people didn't have children prior january 20th. 2009.
Why give them any media coverage? Their talking points are completely irrelevant.

No Jack they certainly are not, the republicans Criticizing President Obama about fiscal responsibility is like an arsonist criticizing the fire department for not doing enough to put the fire out. Their hypocrisy is sad.

I don't know why everyone keeps talking to the Repubs, they had their 8 years, how in the world anyone thinks they have anything worth listening to is a mystery to me!! Cindy, Arvada, Colo.

Republicans lecturing Obama on fiscal responsibility is like an alcoholic telling you to slow down your drinking too much! In the words of Doc Holliday " their hypocrisy knows no bounds".

Yes. Regardless of the past administration's mistakes there will always be room for a lesson in fiscal responsibility. If recent spending trends continue, the results down the line could be catastrophic.

from Roselle, Illinois

the gop should be very proud of someone trying to clean up their big mess that they left!!!

Absolutely not! They are the ones that charged down this path all the while feathering their beds with our tax dollars. Americans should not pay taxes during 2009 and let Washington see how the rest of us feel!

The Republican party has always had amnesia when it comes to their own failing. Remember Ronald Reagan and the Iran-Contra affair?Shifting the blame is another of the Rebulican party credoes. As far as their mantra of lower taxes and less govenment, they really mean lower taxes for the wealthy and less government oversight of their illegal and immoral business practices.

No. Jack the nation is crippled. We just got rid of a tyrant and the party that supported there tyrant is crying foul because they cant suck us dry!! So to the G.O.P shut up!

I marvel at the republicans' ability to lie to themselves while they're lying to the rest of us. Their inability to admit their mistakes and learn from them is why we all think they are so stupid and the reason they have become "irrelevant"!

A voice from the grave to the GOP about fiscal responsibility.

"Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." —Albert Einstein

After 8 years in a chicken coop managed by foxes (Republicans), I am not inclined to listen, let alone condone, any lecture from those who have so thoroughly 'plucked us'.

Jon
Sandpoint, Idaho

Republican's should jump at the chance to redeem themselves, this issue was created on their watch. Barack Obama is the President of these United States of America, they should get over it and give him a CHANCE to help the country

Back in the Reagan days, taxes were cut, spending went up, there was a big deficit, and everyone talked about how our children and grandchildren would have to pay for our overspending. Under Clinton, taxes for the wealthy were raised, and they still got wealthier every year, and lo there was a surplus. Bush called for tax cuts when there was a surplus, and then when we went into a deficit he assured us that more tax cuts were the answer. Now the Republicans are still beating the drum for tax cuts? Did the last 8 years of tax cuts create any jobs? Is this going to require a 2 by 4 over the head?

How do you spell hubris, Jack? Oh, yeah, R-E-P-U-B-L-I-C-A-N-S. How do you spell shameless, Jack? Oh, yeah, R-E-P-U-B-L-I-C-A-N-S. How do you spell recession, Jack? Oh, yeah, R-E-P-U-B-L-I-C-A-N-S. How do you spell–well, if this is getting boring, Jack, it's not even close to how bored I am with the Republicans endless "socialism" mantra when we've lived under a state of near-Fascism for the past eight years. Your remarks are refreshing and right on the money, Jack. Don't let these hypocrites forget the stench they've created. Luckily President Obama is the blast of clean spring air that will make us all breathe more comfortably in the long run.

Just because the Republicans have screwed-up for the past eight years, that does not mean that we should let the Democrats screw-up the next four years, or longer. Don't you think it is about time to take back the goverment and have it work for the people instead of working for a paticular party.

After listening to Jindal's speech last night it made me wonder if he listened to Obama's. Fiscal responsibility, tax cuts for individuals and business, all that stuff he claimed to be the province of the Republicans was in there. I think the Republican Party is backed into a corner like they have never seen before, with no way out but to play ball with the Democrats.

Jack, I think you understated the problem president Bush created. Remember, when Mr. Bush took office there was a projected ten-year surplus over $5 trillion. President Bush went through that surplus and over $5 trillion more!

No and after the speach Jindal gave last night my advice to him would be to play the Palin card and lay low for awile so the country can hopefully forget about him!

Dave in Crivitz Wi.

Jack,

The pot said what to the kettle?! The so-called fiscal conservatism of the Republican Party was not practiced by the Bush Administration or the Republican controlled congress prior to 2006. Criticizing President Obama's stimulus plan is a bit like committing arson, and then asking to see the Fire Department's spreadsheets before they extinguish the fire. There must be oversight! However, the GOP has squandered its authority as the purported guardians of fiscal conservancy.

With a society that is desperate for change, the Republicans sound like a broken record from the past. They are definately not part of the solution.

Is Cafferty asserting that the Republican governors, particularly Bobby Jindal, are wrong for potentially turning down some portion of the "stimulus package?" If so, then what does "GOP in position to talk fiscal responsibility" have to do with the issue? Jindal and the other governors may have valid and cogent arguments for their positions. However, to automatically dismiss Jindal because he is a Republican and ignore his message is simple minded. In this case, debating where the message is coming from, rather than the message itself, is a waste of time. How many people commenting here even know any of the details of this particular issue? Not many I would suspect.

Carl Talerico couldn't have said it any better, Jack. Republicans seem to like to be very out of touch now of days. YouTube.com/EthanFilms

No, but they sure do keep trying.

Sorry Jack..I'm still laughing at Bobby Jindal's "response" from last night...what's the question again???

Absolutely Not!!! Bobby Jindal's speech last night was hard to watch. He should never have accepted to follow President Obama, the mother of all speech makers.

I would consider it less offensive if they kicked me in the groin instead.

They're not in the position to lecture anyone about drinking a glass of milk let alone spending. Look at the spending for Bush years and their quietness for proof.

Are the Republicans in any position to lecture President Obama on fiscal responsibility?
No. Give us a break. During the Bush watch was like looking through cellophane. The only people that agreed with
Bush were the greedy people making money on his policies and only for the livelihood and survival of the Republician Party. Not at all for the people of the UnitedStates.

Not at all. Now that they have stepped in the pile, they don't think it's going to get spread around.It's like a horse stating that it's not his fault that a cart is following him, someone else put it on him.

The republicans had 8yrs they did nothing, we're in this mess because of republicans

IM a docrat and i voted for Bush twice. I want to give him a chance. Thoughout American history there has not been a black chairman of the Gop. Now they have a blackman for a leader, and a indian one . Look there is a reason why most black people are democrats. Think! With Bush he got every thing they wanted and more. Now look at us. The Gop dont have room to talk about Dems.They had their chance in the SUN!!!!!!!!!