Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
StumbleObama says he’ll meet Gibbons; governor not interested
Monday, May 25, 2009 | 1:50 p.m.
Sun archives
President Barack Obama has changed his mind about meeting with Gov. Jim Gibbons after initially rejecting the governor's offer. But Gibbons says he's not interested in the brief meeting that was offered and turned down the president.
Gibbons said Monday he rejected Obama's offer to greet him at the airport when the president arrives Tuesday for a fundraiser for Sen. Harry Reid at Caesars Palace.
“While I appreciate the offer, I am not interested in a handshake and a hello from President Obama, I am interested in an apology and plan to undo the damage the president did,” Gibbons said in a statement. “Working families are suffering because of the president’s remarks, the president should retract his reckless statement about Las Vegas and make a public statement supporting business and tourist travel to Las Vegas and other destinations in the state of Nevada.”
Gibbons is referring to comments Obama made earlier this year regarding business trips to Las Vegas by companies receiving federal bailout money.
The governor said he wanted Obama to meet with him, as well as local business leaders, to discuss improving tourism and business travel to the state. Obama declined that request a week ago.
“President Obama is coming to Las Vegas to take millions of dollars in campaign cash for Senator Harry Reid, while the President’s own words have hurt working families in Nevada and damaged the economy in Nevada for businesses large and small,” Gibbons said. “Both men should be ashamed because people are suffering through the depths of the recession while they practice the height of hypocrisy.”
Discussion: comments so far…
Comments are moderated by Las Vegas Sun editors. Our goal is not to limit the discussion, but rather to elevate it. Comments should be relevant and contain no abusive language. Comments that are off-topic, vulgar, profane or include personal attacks will be removed. Full comments policy. Additionally, we now display comments from trusted commenters by default. Those wishing to become a trusted commenter need to verify their identity or sign in with Facebook Connect to tie their Facebook account to their Las Vegas Sun account. For more on this change, read our story about how it works and why we did it.
Only trusted comments are displayed on this page. Untrusted comments have expired from this story.
No trusted comments have been posted.
Post a comment
Most Popular
- Viewed
- Discussed
- E-mailed
- Lid closes on Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar at Town Square
- Strip Scribbles: Season 15 of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ to be all-stars
- Can old Sahara site become a symbol of Las Vegas’ rebound?
- Creators of ‘Absinthe’ unleash ‘Empire’ at Caesars Palace for one night
- Vintage Vegas: rare photos of a desert boomtown
Everything Under the Sun
Blogs
The Kats Report
Lid closes on Pete's Dueling Piano Bar at Town Square (4 Comments)
Elsewhere
Vintage Vegas: rare photos of a desert boomtown
The Kats Report
Nathan Burton still cooking with new Flamingo contract, evening shows, engagement
Elsewhere
Vegas sign a tourist attraction in its own right
The Kats Report
Liza Minnelli's short, sweet show thrills LVH crowd; Dave Perrico's band at South Point a monster
Meet Las Vegas' latest racing sensation: Michael Gaughan
A bit of trickery from would-be magician Joey Fatone (1 Comment)
- Locally owned and independent since 1950; Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, best news website in the nation & DuPont Award for broadcast journalism
Give me a break, Governor. You don't think that maybe if you had at least met him even briefly you could have changed his mind?
If you weren't even willing to try, then either you knew that you were just out to score political points or you really don't care as much as you claim.
OBAMA wants a little bit of picture time for some publicity in the local paper.
How about he spend as much time with the governor
as he does for the democrat REID at the fund raising event????.
Probably because you cant use a teleprompter at a open discussion event and look and act like you realy know what the citizens of nevada want and need, just like the rest of the country.
Gibbons is such a joke. Once he's done, we'll never hear from this bozo again.
A governor, especially for Nevada, should not play politics, Nevada is all about tourism, and any shot at publicity, and a chance to talk to the president, should be accepted. Gibbons needs to be kicked out of office.
JIM GIBBONS LOOKS DUMMER AND DUMMER THE FARTHER HE WANDERS FROM HIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND...
Governor Gibbons missed a good opportunity to find common ground. President Obama has spoken admirably of former President Reagan's ability to channel industry and interests to get things done in Washington, i.e. leadership.
One can only wonder, were those props Governor Gibbons was using in the media photo in yesterday's paper on consignment from the Reagan library?
Gym Gibbens is rite. Act like a 2 yer old; Pout!
THAT will show messiahobamama. He is Ken yun anyhow. Not my presdent.
Gym no's what's rite fer Nevada. Isolashun is good...we do not need the fedrals. They only want R mony, giving nuthing back! Obamy Wonts are guns! Many, Many aborshuns too!
He totaly runed Vegas with his talk!
YOO GO GYM!
Sine more veetoes! Yer the smart one, not everone else!
Ban taxus! No more skools! No state werkers!
They onlee steel frum us anyhow. Then re-tire to rich's.
Gym Gibbins makes me proud to be a Nevadun' today!
Hey LUV-GUV just make an about face with your tail between your legs and walk away with shame. You are definitely NOT the person the President of the United States should be discussing the welfare of the people of Nevada with. Who are you kidding? You don't have the interests of the people, just you and your selfish, greedy and egotistical agenda. Resign from your office to save impeachment!
I am glad the Governor turned down the offer. The President has no time to deal with any problems Nevada is experiencing and offered him a hand shake at the airport. What does Obmam think, he is a tourist looking for a thrill like Chris Mathews gets?
Everything about Obama is a stage play. He is a bigger actor than Regan ever was, Regan cared and had a plan, all Barrack has is his handlers and photo ops. The Europeans are sick of him and his economics as well, read any of the London papers.
Now the No. Koreans have flipped him off and he is still hoping talks with Iran will change their ways. Pollyanna needs to go back to "lets make a deal" in Chicago.
maybe the governor should do some texting to the pres's blackberry? Hmmm -
Reagan didn't have a caring bone in his left over memory, all Reagan knew was spending money, especially on the military, not on the needs of the country. Gibbons was wrong in not accepting any moment the president has available, it was a quick chance to make push the case for extra help for Nevada, but its not like Obama doesn't know the plight of Nevada, Bush left the entire country in a mess, I'm sure President Obama knows about Nevada's problems.
hello CarsonNewshound it's spelled dumber...perhaps you should still be on the playground.....
Gibbons thinks he can win political points by dissing Obama & tries to take the focus off his own dismal record as Governor. Gibbons must think people are total idiots.
Good for Gov. Gibbons. Let the Dems take part in the ring-kissing ceremony; Gov. Gibbons is above that.
Governor Jim Gibbons is a insignificant as are those who elected him...
Ok i'll bite!!!!
"Governor GIBBONS must think people are total idiots".
Let"s see, We have a president spending us into oblivion and we have a governor that has no money to spend.
Like your president and governor (or not), If they do not spend time talking and understanding each other and the problems "NEVADAN'S" face, How are they going to fix the mess we are in???
OBAMA can tell big corporations that they should not be going to LAS VEGAS in these tough times!!!
And persons in the administration can authorize a flyover of the statue of liberty, costing well over a quarter of a mill.$$$$$$
Whatever happened to country first?????
We have a president spending this country into oblivion and a governor that (well!!!!!!!!!!)
Some people must actually repel facts.
What the President said was that corporations shouldn't be taking junkets to PLACES LIKE Las Vegas and Orlando (pay attention; here's the IMPORTANT PART) .... ***** ON THE TAXPAYERS' DIME *****.
In context (I know; a dirty word/phrase to those of you who know what you know) he was talking about the companies WHO TOOK BAILOUT MONEY.
I realize neither Fox "news" nor hate radio ever tells you the whole (factual) story, but if you look it up for yourself, you might be surprised.
Obama is only going to LV to boost support for loser puppet Reid, that is all.
It's like we have our own little Dubya
I don't agree with Gibbons to often but he did the right thing. This isn't about helping us Las Vegasans but in helping sleaze Harry Reid get reelected.Don't forget Sleaze Harry said Iraq was a unwinable war. What short memories we have!!!!!!!!
Just think, if it was a President Hillary Clinton, instead of Obama, the Luv Guv wouldn't have turned down a meet and greet.
It is obvious that all of citizens are well aware, that the president being here is on the tax payers dime. (at least most of us)!!!!!!!
And we all know that he said corporations spending money on the tax payer's dime should not be happening for their entertainment purposes. But if "I and you" are paying for this along with the flyover of the statue of liberty,that cost over a quarter of a $ Million Dollars. Dont you and everyone else think the PRESIDENT could spend as much time talking with our governor about the needs of nevada citizens as he is willing to promote the re-election of HARRY REID??????????
And what's with the fox news jab???????
I would rather be a fox news fan,than a fan of some news host that has something tingling up his leg when OBAMA speaks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Obama bows to foreign dictators.
He hugs leaders who use their military intelligence agencies to imprison their opposition.
He beg forgiveness from our enemies.
He uses the words "Las Vegas" in a negative context.
The only way that Obama would be interested in meeting with Gibbons and Nevada business leaders if we were enemies of the USA.
I guess we have to declare war to get 2-cents worth of time with Obama. Perhaps then he would kiss our butts like he does the dictators of the world.
2UALL:
Since this is not a trip on official government business, but rather a political fundraising trip, the Democratic National Committee and Senator Reid's reelection campaign will foot the bill for all costs.
That's standard operating procedure. It has been for years. Every trip President Bush made to Nevada to campaign was paid for by the RNC and whoever he was campaigning for.
poor, poor nance. trying to incite the masses again with his made-up history lessons.
I think he's pouting because President Obama didn't come here specifically to kiss Gym Gibbins' butt for the Vegas remarks, which he took completly out of context.
"Why" thank you (Douglas Democrat) I did not no that!!!!!
So let me get this straight, If governor gibbons should have and would have accepted the invitation to meet OBAMA at the airport this time would have been billed back to the (RNC).
Or maybe we the citizens of the state of nevada should pay for our governor to fly to washington so he can have some time with him!!!!!!
It just dont make sense (DNC or RNC) of who's paying the bill, "He's here" so how about some fiscal resposibility and lets save on airline flights and have the "PRESIDENT OBAMA" sit down with our governor and help us out in the state of nevada
DON'T YOU THINK THIS WOULD BE GOOD FOR US????
Gov does not want to visit the Las Vegas valley except to steal our money for Northern Nevada. Never again will this state elect a northern governor and if it does shows the lack of education in this state.
DouglasDemocrat where is the facts that the RNC paid the full bill of Bush's visit?
Governor didn't have time to meet Obama. He has drunk women to text.
Gibbons claimed the world was going to end because Obama wouldn't pay him any mind, and when Obama decides to extend an olive branch, what does our fair governor do? Pout and whine, just like his idiotic supporters.
Those same idiotic supporters thought it was a GREAT IDEA that companies were using taxpayer dollars to take junkets to Las Vegas.
Surprise, surprise, Nance can't defend the Governor's actions. Hypocrite.
Think about it, Obama is all about himself. Would you do a photo-op so Obama could take credit for coming to Nevada. He is only going there to raise money for Harry Reid. Hope he is doing it on the DNC's dime.
"If governor gibbons should have and would have accepted the invitation to meet OBAMA at the airport this time would have been billed back to the (RNC)."
No, it would have still been on the DNC's dime because the purpose of the trip is fundraising.
And you miss the point - Gibbons is just looking for someone to blame. If he really, honestly wanted to have a discussion he would not be going to war with Obama in the press. He demands an apology from Obama, and yet every chance he gets he keeps acting like a petulant child to the media.
Two things:
1. Obama should realize that as president his comments can and more often than not be taken out of context. The nation's (and Nevada's) population thought Obama was saying the entire country should stay away from our state. We deserve an apology but will never get it.
2. Gibbons is a waste of hot air. I never thought I would see a politician as inefective as he is. For god's sake, just meet the guy. Smile at the camera and tell him in person what he's done to the state. What's the worse that can happen?
"The nation's (and Nevada's) population thought Obama was saying the entire country should stay away from our state. We deserve an apology but will never get it."
What? Obama said that taxpayer money shouldn't be used for extravagant trips to Las Vegas or the Superbowl. If anyone "misunderstood" him, that's THEIR problem, not Obama's. Why would Obama apologize for others' stupidity?
Yes, the Jim Gibbons cheerleaders like jfNance32 can't defend their leader's hypocritical actions. That is no surprise to me.
Well, I'm part of "the nation" and part of "Nevada" and I understood perfectly what he meant.
I also agreed with him completely.
The only reason some people "thought Obama was saying the entire country should stay away from our state" (and keep perpetuating that particular falsehood) is because of where those people get their "news".
We "deserve" nothing except a competent governor.
For all of you moaning and whining about how Obama isn't paying us any attention, would you please link to news articles for each of Bush's NON-campaign visits to Nevada. You know, all those trips he made here just to say hi, meet with the governor because he's such a great guy, let us know he's really thinking about us in terms OTHER THAN Yucca Mt., etc.
I'll check back later.
Talk about scaring people away from Las Vegas, my husband and I were thinking about moving to Las Vegas to retire but learning more about Govornor Gibbons on Wikipedia scared the heck out of us. Sorry folks but he sounds like a woman chasing moron! Not meeting with President Obama is not a smart thing to do if he's looking for positive change.
I think for once Gibbon's got something right. The State of Nevada is owed an apology. Regardless of what was actually intended...BHO's words did cause additional economic issues that we could ill afford.
Furthermore, we are at war with two country's, N. Korea is testing its nuclear weapons (again), and our country is at an economic standstill....why the heck is he "fundraising" for Harry? Ummmmm, doesn't he like have a country to run?
Excuse me but doesn't the President have more important things to do than to spend time flying around politicing for others? And at who's expense does he fly around? I think the politicing should be left to the candidate running for office and the President has no business flying around trying to help ANY party's candidate raise funds..... Obama needs to stick to the issues at hand and let the candidates figure out for themselves how they're going to afford to get themselves elected. Maybe if we had less of these 'fund raisers' we'd see more middle class, blue collar Americans have a fighting chance to hold some kind of political office - instead we get more of the same - the rich get richer and they're the only ones who can AFFORD to get themselves elected......
I thought Bush settled the North Korea problem with his policies?
I'm sooooo sick of NV politics, Gibbons is an a-hole, Reid is a loser, and the mayor is just a plain ole idiot!! Whine, whine, whine and nothing ever gets better. Add in the sheriff and we could start a carnival freak show!!!
As a co-worker aptly said: "Why would the president want to meet with our idiot governor?"
Gibbons is a funny little man. And when will you people let this comment about business going to vegas on taxpayer dime go? What are you, stuck on stupid? The economy was screwed up even before Mr. Obama made the comment thanks to 8 years of republican buffoonary. Move on people and quit whining like little punks.
i can't stand obama. i think he's an arrogant socialist.
i like the fact there's at least one person in this country that isn't smitten with him.
Who are these "taxpayers" that are suppose to be picking up the tab? If they're only Republican whiners, I'm all in favor of stupid spending. Maybe stevem is a "taxpayer" that wants companies using his money to slip $1 bills into Mercedes g-string.
"... BHO's words did cause additional economic issues that we could ill afford ..."
Why are we so "special" here? To explain, why on Earth should a company (whether or not that company took federal bailout money) that laid off workers because of this economy send its execs on a junket ANYWHERE?
And if that doesn't bother you, why not?
I'll take "an arrogant socialist" over a war mongering rich whites only oil man anyday!!
Patricia:
What bothers me is government interference on every level. What "I" heard from BHO was that in this economic climate NO ONE should be taking expensive junkets, bailout money or not. I just don't think he has the right to tell companies how to run themselves and/or how to reward their employees even if they had to lay off workers, and yes, while it does seem inappropriate to me and I certainly wouldn't have done it, the federal government doesn't have the right to interfer at this level. By his words he made it practically indecent for anyone to take a company sponsered trip...whether he intended to or not. And we aren't the only city affected by his comments.
It's a slippery slope from progressive liberalism to full-fledged socialism and I think this is just the beginning.
But to answer specifically your question...our entire economy in this state is hinged on the travel/entertainment industry--which I don't think makes us special, in fact quite the the opposite. We have an unbelievable inability to weather any economic downturn. I think the more important question is you live here, why doesn't it bother you to see our city turn into a ghost town?
Well, indy, that's your right to "hear" what you want to hear but it doesn't make it true. He meant what he said; the meaning was quite clear.
There's no "slippery slope"; again, it's what you hear and what you believe but it doesn't make it true.
It bothers me greatly but the larger issue (and one I've ranted about incessantly since I've lived here) is the simple fact that we don't even try to attract any other types of businesses DESPITE being the PERFECT location for so many diverse industries.
There isn't a place on Earth that can survive being a one-industry town. If this near-depression doesn't make the powers that be in this godforsaken state realize that, it's hopeless.
Many others have fallen before us; we wouldn't be the first. One would think previous examples would offer up a clue or two. One would, apparently, be wrong.
IndyThinker:
I suppose you're allowed to live in whatever version of reality you want, but really? Here is the comment that ruined Nevada's economy and put thousands of people out of work:
"You are not going to be able to give out these big bonuses until you pay taxpayers back. You can't get corporate jets. You can't go take a trip to Las Vegas or the Super Bowl on the taxpayers' dime. There's got to be some accountability and some responsibility."
And since he made those comments in February, Las Vegas has been struggling. And that is a shame, because unlike the rest of the country--the world even--Las Vegas very much seemed immune to the ongoing economic problems. But Obama opens his mouth, and the layoffs start and construction projects are canceled and financing becomes impossible to find and home prices plummet, right?
It was after Feb. 10 that banks repossessed Cosmopolitan. It was after Feb. 10 that Boyd Gaming stopped work on Echelon. It was after Feb. 10 that reports started to surface that Herbst Gaming, Station Casinos, MGM Mirage, Harrah's Entertainment and Black Gaming were in serious risk of having to file for Chapter 11 protection. And it wasn't until after Feb. 10 that a single casino laid off workers.
You can hate the guy for whatever reason you want--Democrat, socialist, ex-smoker, educated, black etc.--but your arguments against him will be so much more persuasive if you find a way to include some reality and don't just hear what you want to hear.
Rusty: No, the "minute" Obama opened his mouth and uttered the word "recession" is when any hope of a quick rebound from this economic nightmare vanished with no obvious end in sight. And, frankly, I just have to look at the remnants of my 401K to see exactly how "little" affect his words have had. So, yeah...in my world...I call it like I see it. OBVIOUSLY...there were many issues before he was elected--absolutely no argument from me there. I guess I was just hoping that for all his big talk of "change" that something positive would have come out of it. So far, I don't see anything changed except for the depletion of my retirement fund and a mountain of debt left for our kids and grandkids to clean up.
Also, I think I was perfectly clear when I said that even if "those exact words" did not come from him... his implication was very clear about what he considered/implied inappropriate whether you choose to agree. And, you could always check with the city to see exactly how many conventions were cancelled after his talk. You might be surprised.
For the record, I don't hate anyone. And, whether I agree with you or not, I embrace that fact that we're even able to have this arena to exchange ideas without fear of repercussion.
Also, to Patricia...if you read the side bar on the front page of the Sun you'll no longer have to wonder why we have a hard time getting companies to come here at least in the energy field. 150% of the average statewide wage for a construction worker? For real?
indy, we don't know if we'd have a hard time attracting other industries because WE DON'T EVEN TRY TO DO THAT!
(Well, except for Oscar's folly of continuous attempts to get a professional sports team, but to me that doesn't constitute "diverse industries. JMHO.)
I'm still stuck on Obama's words being the be-all and (at least in this case) end-all. So because he said that, tourism plummeted? (Is that spelled correctly? Doesn't look right; sorry.) Tourism dropped last year and the year before and the year before.
In fact, since 9/11, it may be (though I haven't checked) our tourism has dropped every year but one. IOW, a steady decline every year since four planes were intentionally crashed. Coincidence?
But you claim it's Obama's fault.
You're kidding, right?
I forgot one point that we all seem to forget.
Another major reason Las Vegas tourism has steadily declined is the increase in costs and the relative ease with which people can gamble much closer to home these days.
The Strip properties decided they no longer wanted to cater to those people who pretty much made Las Vegas what it was. Rather, they wanted the wealthiest. They wanted the high rollers. Along those lines they decided reasonably-priced rooms and food was no longer necessary. Only high-end restaurants and $200+/night rooms for our wealthy clients!
It was John & Jane Q. Public, your average middle-class tourist, who built this town. Well, now John & Jane can gamble closer to home with the proliferation of gambling being allowed in so many more states than ever.
Why didn't Nevada see that coming? I saw it when I lived in NYC & they opened Foxwoods in CT. It occurred to me that Foxwoods was going to take at least some business from Las Vegas, nevermind Atlantic City. And living here wasn't even a thought in my mind at the time!
As soon as that happened Nevada should have begun its search in earnest for diverse industries.
How many years later and they STILL haven't done that.
"And since he made those comments in February, Las Vegas has been struggling."
Are you really going with the "Post hoc, ergo propter hoc" fallacy? Really?
DouglasDemocrat...Do you really think things have gotten better since the election? Because I would really like to know specifics...and I'm all ears.
And, I reiterate when the leader of the free world speaks...people no doubt listen. You will never persuade me that he has NOT influenced negatively travel to destinations such as Vegas for business purposes. Does he deserve all the blame for the local economy tanking as it has been suggested I believe--NO...NO...NO! But at least admit the hand he did play. Is that so much to ask?
Patricia...I couldn't agree with you more about diversity. I am originally from the LA area (Valley) and you know we had our Lockheed and GM issues all the time or so it seemed, but at least there was other industry to float the boat. We just don't have that here aside from the medical industry now that the construction industry has tanked. It's very sad.
"You can't go take a trip to Las Vegas or the Super Bowl on the taxpayers' dime."
Do these people really support taxpayer-funded junkets? Is that what the Obama Derangement Syndrome has come down to?
It's the stupidest non-controversy imaginable, yet, for some reason, it persists. Take off your lead helmet for a second and read his words. Can't you admit that your interpretation is dead wrong? Is that too much to ask?
"But at least admit the hand he did play. Is that so much to ask?"
I admit that he said that BAILOUT MONEY should not be used to fund trips to Las Vegas. I admit that it might have had a small impact on decision-making, though not as much as all of the other factors out there (trying to read the economy is like reading tea leaves).
The problem is when people hang try to ALL the blame on his statement. That's what a "post hoc" fallacy is - it's "after this, therefore because of this". It's like saying "I washed the car and now it's raining. Therefore, it's raining because I washed the car."
Don't blame me, I didn't vote for Obama
DouglasDemocrat...First of all, I know what post hoc fallacy means...but thank you for the Latin lesson.
Secondly, I will probably regret writing this... but I think you are giving Americans way too much credit as to how much they fully understand on any given subject on any given day.
I have never disputed what he said...what I am still commenting on is how his words were interpreted by the ordinary people. There is a multitude of folks out there who only heard "don't go to Las Vegas" and I can't say it any plainer. Again, it didn't really matter that he clarified his comments...people only hear what they want to hear (regardless of party affiliation).
For the record...I always think it's raining because I washed my car.
neiman and nance. nuke everyone back to the stone age and then we'll get some respect. Stolen from Curtis Lemay.
Indy, I apologize then - I thought the point had been missed, which is why I explained it.
Gibbons ought to be hooking up with Sarah Palin.........maybe they can get on the GOP ticket in 2012, and the GOP can call it the dumb and dumber ticket.
Not much for ideas, policies, and leadership........but priceless for the comedy circuit and comedy writers!!
Exactly what was Obama saying (in your lib kool-aid drinking world) when he pounded on companies coming to Las Vegas to have a conference or other meetings?
Nice job, gov'ner Gym! You ditched the President! I thank you. I'd hate to find out now you actually have an ounce of common sense after all.
Gym Gibbins/Larri Craig, GOP 2012!
asked and answered, Jr., a thousand times.
"It's the stupidest non-controversy imaginable, yet, for some reason, it persists. Take off your lead helmet for a second and read his words. Can't you admit that your interpretation is dead wrong? Is that too much to ask?"
ksand99, can you admit that the only time BO feels it is ok for you (the generic you, as in businesses) to come to Las Vegas on the taxpayer's dime is if you are raising money for Senator Reid?
Exactly what was Obama saying (in your tiny, context-free little world) when he pounded on companies using taxpayer money to come to Las Vegas to have a conference or other meetings?
Cannon, I'll call Obama out for fundraising just as soon as you point out your statements, in the past, criticizing Bush for the same.
What's that I hear? Crickets? Hypocrite.
"taxpayer's dime is if you are raising money for Senator Reid?"
Except it's not on the taxpayer dime - the Democratic National Committee and Senator Reid's campaign is paying the bills for this trip. Just as the Republican National Committee footed the bill when President Bush came to Nevada for campaigning or fundraising.
"Cannon, I'll call Obama out for fundraising just as soon as you point out your statements, in the past, criticizing Bush for the same.
What's that I hear? Crickets? Hypocrite."
Nope it's called me doing other things on the net.
OK Bu$h was a hypocrite for telling people not to use taxpayer money to come to Las Vegas and then using taxpayer money to come to Las Vegas for a political fundraiser. (There KS I even used the $ like all good brain dead liberals do when talking about Bu$hitler. Now how about showing me where Boooosh said not to come to Vegas on the tax payer's dime.)
There I can call Bush a hypocrite for doing what BO did. Can you call BO a hypocrite? Or does the kool-aid you're drinking not even let you acknowledge something like "the teleprompter broke so BO may have misspoke."
DouglasDemocrat, all Secret Service protection costs (even if AF1's fuel cost is being taken care of, not that I think you are correct in that) is on the campaign's dime too, right? Somehow I really don't think so... (Yes yes not arguing that BO doesn't deserve it, as President, but you can't tell me that "not one dime" of taxpayer money should be spent for trips to Las Vegas as BO so famously proclaimed earlier this year.)
"DouglasDemocrat, all Secret Service protection costs (even if AF1's fuel cost is being taken care of, not that I think you are correct in that) is on the campaign's dime too, right?"
Yes. ALL costs incurred are billed to the DNC and to Senator Reid's campaign. That's standard operating procedure. It was standard operating procedure under President Bush too.
No....
ALL costs incurred are not billed to the DNC and to Senator Reid's campaign.
They only charge the going commerical rate for a 1st class ticket that it would take to fly Obama in a commerical airliner from DC to Las Vegas...like about $1,200.
Nothing more than that.
This is true for all Presidents...not just Obama.
So Obama is Ok with spending probably around a million to come to Vegas to campaign for Reid.
But he yells at companies who want to have legit business meetings in Las Vegas.
Talk about a hypocrite.........
"But he yells at companies who want to have legit business meetings in Las Vegas."
If they got BAILOUT MONEY and then go to Vegas, they should be yelled at. If they want to have a business meeting when the company is in trouble, do like other companies and hold it AT THE OFFICE.
My god, what is wrong with you people? Can't you read a simple sentence? It's in PLAIN ENGLISH. It's not Martian, for crying out loud!
"If they got BAILOUT MONEY and then go to Vegas, they should be yelled at. If they want to have a business meeting when the company is in trouble, do like other companies and hold it AT THE OFFICE."
Kinda like Barry is doing at Nellis AF Base tomorrow, eh? (Seeing as how the country he is running is just a couple of bucks in the red...) Something about an "economics meeting". Oh I forget, it is ok for Barry to use taxpayer money to hold a business meeting in Vegas instead of holding it AT THE WHITE HOUSE, you know, his office. But no one else should use taxpayer money to travel to Vegas to conduct business.
(Tell you what Douglas, show us an FEC report/filing showing ALL costs for a campaign trip covered by that campaign.)
Patricia, very good post - excellent thought process - gets across easily for all to understand :) and to Torn, I didn't vote for him either and I'm NOT a Republican for sure....call me independent I guess.......
"Oh I forget, it is ok for Barry to use taxpayer money to hold a business meeting in Vegas instead of holding it AT THE WHITE HOUSE, you know, his office."
And then you'd attack him for being "out of touch" and "living in a bubble". In other words, no matter what he does you'd be right there heckling and criticizing.
And that's President Obama, or Mister Obama to you. At least show some respect for the office, you tool.
It took him almost a month to pick a dog,and only days to pick his cabinet? Makes one wonder doesnt it???
Excellent point, rumrunner!
As much as I can't stand Gibbons, I have to agree with him on not going to meet Obama out at the airport.
The man can travel all over the world to meet with the enemy, and for a silly fundraiser. But, for a Governer of a state, in the United States, of which he is President, he is only willing to toss him a a bread crumb? I find this arrogant and pathetic.. Any respect I might have felt for Obama is totally gone now.
What exactly has Gibbons earned to meet the president?
Gibbons is a one and done governor and it will take the state years to recover from his lack of ideas and planning.
Good riddance Gibbons, your term can't end soon enough......get lost soon!
"But, for a Governer of a state, in the United States, of which he is President, he is only willing to toss him a a bread crumb? "
Linda, are you psychic? Do you know exactly, word-for-word, how Gibbons asked for the meeting with Obama? Was it polite and dignified, as a conversation between a governor and president should be? Or was it the way Gibbons generally portrays himself - demanding a meeting because he feels he has been slighted?
Context is important in this case, which seems to be elusive to everyone.
GOVERNOR GIBBONS,
YOUR POSITION RIGHT NOW IS NOT ALL YOURS FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE AS WELL AS PRESIDENT OBAMA. MY GOD, GOVERNOR, HE IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. SHOW SOME RESPECT OR IF YOU DON'T LIKE HIM BECAUSE HE'S BLACK, AT LEAST YOU CAN PRETEND SMILING OR SHAKING HIS HAND. HISTORY WILL TAKE THIS TO THE VERY LAST GIBBONS RELATED TO YOUR FAMILY FOR THE REST OF THE GIBBONS LIFE.
The people of Nevada need to demand that the Governor resign. His actions today in refusing to meet the President of the United States when he landed in Las Vegas shows his complete disrespect for the office of the President. His action was unconscionable and is just another example of how inept and incompetent he is. He is acting like a 6 year old trying to get his own way and since he did not he is having a temper tantrum. He is the governor of Nevada not the King of Nevada, and his action today was a major embarrassment to the State and the residence of the state.
James H. Uster
Past Chairman
Clark County Republican Party
"And that's President Obama, or Mister Obama to you. At least show some respect for the office, you tool."
Douglas, I am given BO as much respect as the "Selected pResident McChimpy Bu$hitler" received over the past eight years from many democrats. (Including the editorial at the right of this very page which reads, "Where's the Vick-like outrage at Bush." Yep, lots of respect there.) BO could earn my respect starting by not trashing my current hometown.
I do have the utmost respect for the Office of the President of the United States. I have zero respect for the current president. It is a difference your side claimed over the past eight years. Oh but it's different when your side does it, right Dougieboy?
"the man can fly all over the world to meet the enemy, and for a fundraiser"....
I was not aware that Harry had risen to the level of "the enemy." I'm sure you had a LONG WAY TO GO to lose that little bit of respect you had for the President. Puhleeze.
Obama kissed the butt of Chavez who might be giving nuclear material to Iran that one day might destroy a US city.
Obama is asking the worst of the world to forgive us.
Yet, he used the words "Las Vegas" in a negative context just when we are just trying to keep our heads above water.
Obama could care less about Las Vegas. He is too busy kissing our enemies butts.
"Oh but it's different when your side does it, right Dougieboy?"
No, it's not different. I had very low tolerance for such things when President Bush was in office - it's a cheap and easy way to score points rather than actually arguing the merits.
And believe it or not, I actually supported President Bush up until the war in Iraq started. You know why? Because he was the President, and even if he's not the guy you voted for you're supposed to at least try.
We have been arguing the points. Two of us have disputed your statement that ALL costs of the trip where paid by the campaign. And then your statement that business should handle their meetings AT THE OFFICE.
However, in both cases it is ok for Obama to do what he has said others shouldn't do, right Douglas? He has flat out said, taxpayer money should not be used for trips to Las Vegas yet he is using taxpayer money for a trip to Las Vegas.
Gov. Gibbons is RETARDED. He should respect the office of the President regardless of who holds office and should be mature enough to meet with him regardless of any differences.
The local economy was failing even before Obama made his 'Vegas' comment. I think Gov. Gibbons is attempting to distract people...the real issue is politicians in this state are not encouraging or focusing in bringing any NEW industries to this state.
"He has flat out said, taxpayer money should not be used for trips to Las Vegas yet he is using taxpayer money for a trip to Las Vegas."
And if he didn't, he'd be attacked for living in a bubble and being out of touch.
It doesn't matter what President Obama does or doesn't do - you're gonna attack him anyway.
It's a lose-lose argument for him with you.
"And if he didn't, he'd be attacked for living in a bubble and being out of touch."
Actually no, you are projecting Douglas. Out of touch is one of the ways your side attacked Bush 41 and 43 (as examples). After all your side kept asking them the price of a gallon of milk in an attempt (successful in the case of Bush 41) that they are out of touch with The Common Man.
The less Obama does the better. Heck he could go on vacation or even stay in the White House for the next 3.5 years and I wouldn't say one peep. As long as he didn't come out two months before and say "People shouldn't take vacations on the taxpayer's dime. After all my Administration is the only thing between them and the pitchforks of the public mob."
You on the other hand, are such a freaking kool-aid drinking donkey, that nothing The Messiah does can be criticized.
It's "he is so awesome and perfect and he can never do anything wrong" argument for him with you.
"It's "he is so awesome and perfect and he can never do anything wrong" argument for him with you."
Now who's projecting? There are plenty of things I don't like about the current Administration, starting with the health care reform plan that's being offered. That's a load of bunk.
I've criticized Obama on this very site for actions I felt were not the right ones. It's just that this isn't one of them.
President Obama should have chosen his words more carefully and not singled out Las Vegas in any way. Why couldn't he have simply said "You can't take corporate jets and travel on the taxpayer's dime". By singling out Las Vegas by name, he caused our city to lose enormous revenue almost immediately as soon as he said the words. That revenue was spent in other cities as a direct result of the President's poor choice of words. I understand the point of what he was trying to say, and I even agree with his point, but his inability to say it without hurting Las Vegas is a testament to his inexperience. If he would just acknowledge that his words hurt Nevadans, and apologize for the damage he did, the conversation would end. Please remember that a lot of Las Vegans that would have been on-call working those conventions lost income.
GIBBONS...IDIOT! Nothing more needs to be said!
Obama is saying that Las Vegas is so poor of legit business destination that is foolish for companies that receive bailout money to come here to hold their national conferences or national meetings.
Obama should be saying that Las Vegas is an outstanding business destination that it would be foolish for them not to come to Las Vegas for their national conferences or national meetings even for those that receive bailout money.
There were clear examples of large national companies that needed to hold business conferences that move those meetings from Las Vegas to another city shortly after Obama's comments. They did not cancel them. They just moved them. They did not want the bad PR of coming to Las Vegas.
If it is funny to see the people who worship Obama and blindly follow him.
"They did not cancel them. They just moved them. They did not want the bad PR of coming to Las Vegas."
Yes and they paid cancellation fees and high fees to the new venues. But the important thing, to many true believers on this site, is that while companies may have had to pay more taxpayer money as a result of the cancellations they didn't spend any of it in the town these people call home.
Great, jfNance32 supports taxpayer money being used for trips to the Superbowl!
All that whining about government spending, now he wants any and all companies using bailout money to hold junkets in Las Vegas. Junkets are where they pay for private concerts with Jimmy Buffet, book luxury suites and other such "business" work!
LOL, what a hypocrite!
Old news! Next!
"All that whining about government spending, now he wants any and all companies using bailout money to hold junkets in Las Vegas. Junkets are where they pay for private concerts with Jimmy Buffet, book luxury suites and other such "business" work!"
Good post ksand99...
You must not live in Las Vegas.
Only a punch drunk Democrat not living in Las Vegas would make such profound statement that a a business coming to Vegas is equal to a junket.
Because if you lived in Vegas then you would know that Vegas is an excellent place to hold business conferences and meetings.
If you lived in Vegas then you be supporting the core business that puts food on your plate and a roof over your head and supports the bloated government budgets in Nevada.
Hmmmm....why do you think so poorly on Vegas?
OH....you are listening to your hero that Obama dude.
Why are you hiding behind another screen name, jfNance32? Errr, James F. Nance, Jr? Err, SgtRock?
Multiple personality syndrome?
"Great, jfNance32 supports taxpayer money being used for trips to the Superbowl!"
Wow, when did we get the superbowl here in Vegas?
ksand, you support everything in Obama's budget except when it concerns previously planned business trips/conferences to Vegas. You support these "Bailout Businesses" spending more money to break current contracts and pay a premium to hold those conferences elsewhere. As long as they don't spend a dime coming to Vegas.
You are a financial hawk when it comes to the town you live in but have otherwise never met a dime of government spending you didn't like.
Gee, Cannon, which gets splashed on the front page of the papers: "Bailout recipient breaks contracts for high-priced trip to Las Vegas" or "Bailout recipient spends taxpayer money for high-priced trip to Las Vegas"? Which one is MORE likely to increase public anger towards those companies?
Sometimes, it's about optics. These guys aren't staying at Boulder Station or over at the Trop.
(And yes, I did live in Vegas for 5 years. And as much as actual business can get done, the amount of frivolous frittering away of money is also astounding.)
"Which gets splashed on the front page of the papers..."
Well yes, because of people like you, ksand, and gmag. Don't use taxpayer money to come to Las Vegas, instead use taxpayer money to pay for cancellation fees and then pay a premium to hold your event elsewhere.
You are all whining about money you paid as taxes being used "for trips to Las Vegas" so you moan and complain, thus companies go elsewhere causing less people here in Las Vegas to pay taxes because they aren't working because companies are going elsewhere. But hey it's ok because President Obama made the comment and nothing he says can be held against him.
You all are cheering "shovel ready" stimulus which can take several months to years to actually get money into the economy, but moan about actual money which would have already gone into the pockets of casino workers (for doing their job, thus paying more taxes) and already billed by the casinos and paid by the companies.
I think its evident from the comments here that you still have some "butt hurt" republicans who are continuously trying to take a statement made about responsible spending for a company that is being bailed out and turning it into an attack on the Las Vegas economy. When are you republicans going to wake up and smell that breakfast is burning?? Your candidates back in '08 were beaten 3 to 1. Your current politicians are laughable at best, Jim Gibbons is a clod that seems to be going more and more the way of a certain Illinois Governor. While I think it was nice of President Obama to offer to meet Gibbons, its probably a good thing he didn't as I think Gibbons is so dirty, I doubt he sees the logic in washing his hands after using the washroom.