Vatican Denounces Abuse Report

Clerics regret church abuse as Vatican denounces report

March 26, 2010 6:12 p.m. EDT

Vatican: Stop 'smear campaign'

(CNN) -- Top Catholic clerics from France and Britain expressed shame, anger and regret Friday over a widening abuse scandal in the church that has reached Pope Benedict XVI's doorstep.

At the same time, the Vatican and Benedict's former German diocese strongly denied a newspaper report that said the pope was aware that a priest later convicted of molesting boys was returning to pastoral work.

They said the pope, then archbishop in Munich, Germany, had no knowledge of the decision to return the priest to resume his duties.

The archdiocese "rejects any other version of events as mere speculation," the Vatican said.

The Vatican and archdiocese were responding to a New York Times article published Friday that said the future pope was copied on a memo informing him the priest, the Rev. Peter Hullermann, would return to pastoral work within days of beginning psychiatric treatment for pedophilia.

A spokesman for the archdiocese, Bernhard Kellner, said Friday that the article consists of incorrect and old information.

Between 700 and 1,000 memos go to the archbishop each year, Kellner said, making it highly unlikely that the pope -- then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger -- would have read the memo mentioned in the Times. Kellner said that neither he nor the Times has the memo, and he doesn't know whether it still exists.

Kellner also said it was not so much a memo as a routine copy of a directive filed to the office of the archbishop and then archived.

The pope's deputy at the time, the Rev. Gerhard Gruber, had said he signed the order allowing Hullermann to return to pastoral work, and he takes full responsibility for it.

French bishops also added their voice to the debate in a letter Friday, saying they "feel shame and regret for the abominable acts" perpetrated by some priests and religious figures in the Catholic church.

The bishops wrote the letter to Pope Benedict XVI as a "cordial message of support" amid the widening abuse scandal in the church.

They said they supported the pope's strong words of support for victims of the abuse in Ireland, which the pontiff expressed in a letter to Irish Catholics on Sunday.

"Those who committed these acts disfigure our church, hurt Christian communities, and extend suspicion on all members of the clergy," the French bishops wrote.

Even if the actions are down to a small number of priests, they wrote, "it is already too much."

The letter was sent on the same day that prosecutors said a French priest has been arrested on sexual abuse and child pornography charges.

The Rev. Jacques Breton from the small village of Marcilly-le-Hayer was indicted on the charges Tuesday, prosecutor Alex Perrin confirmed. Marcilly-le-Hayer is in northeastern France, about 90 miles (145 km) southeast of Paris.

The sexual abuse charge involves a person older than 18 who filed the complaint, officials said. The priest has denied all the accusations.

Breton has been released from jail but is banned from contact with the alleged victim or any minors, officials said. Authorities said they are investigating whether there were other possible victims.

"This news deeply moved us all," said the bishop of nearby Troyes, Monseigneur Marc Stenger.

"Our first thought is for those who have been injured by these acts, the young, the victims, the families."

Also on Friday, the Catholic archbishop of Westminister described child abuse committed within the Catholic church and the concealment of it as "deeply shocking" and "totally unacceptable."

Archbishop Vincent Nichols made the comments in a letter published on the Diocese of Westminster's Web site.

Nichols said he felt shame and anger that the church was more concerned with protecting its reputation than believing the allegations of victims.

Pope's Irish child abuse letter fails to calm storm

But he also defended Pope Benedict XVI, pointing out that the pope previously headed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, in which he led many reforms of church law regarding abuse victims and offenders.

"He is not an idle observer," Nichols wrote. "His actions speak as well as his words."

CNN's Frederik Pleitgen in Berlin, Germany; Hada Messia in Rome, Italy; and Per Nyberg in London, England, contributed to this report

Mexican Catholic order's founder abused boys, sect admits

The Rev. Marcial Maciel celebrates Mass in Rome, Italy, in August 2005.

Rome, Italy (CNN) -- The founder of a Mexican Catholic order sexually abused minor-age seminarians and fathered three children with two women, the religious sect has revealed.

The Legion of Christ order and its lay Regnum Christi Movement asked for forgiveness Thursday for "the reprehensible actions of our founder," the Rev. Marcial Maciel.

"We express our sorrow and grief to each and every person damaged by our founder's actions," said a communique signed by the Rev. Alvaro Corcuera and 15 other Legion of Christ leaders.

The abuse allegations surfaced in 1997. The Vatican started an investigation into Maciel's actions in 2004 and concluded in May 2006 that he was guilty of sexual abuse, the group said.

"We had thought and hoped that the accusations brought against our founder were false and unfounded, since they conflicted with our experience of him personally and his work," the order's statement said.

As a result of the Vatican investigation, however, officials at the Legion of Christ "reached sufficient moral certainty to impose serious canonical sanctions related to the accusations made against Maciel, which included the sexual abuse of minor seminarians. Therefore, though it causes us consternation, we have to say that these acts did take place," the group said Thursday.

Law enforcement officials apparently were not informed.

The Vatican, "mindful of Father Maciel's advanced age and his delicate health, decided to forgo a canonical hearing and ask him to retire to a private life of penance and prayer, giving up any form of public ministry," the communique says.

Pope Benedict XVI approved the decision.

Although leaders at the Legion of Christ knew of the abuse since May 2006, they kept it quiet until this week. As of Friday, Maciel's biography on the order's Web page merely said, "In May 2006, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith invited Father Maciel to 'a reserved life of prayer and penance, renouncing all public ministry.' "

Maciel died January 30, 2008.

Javier Bravo, spokesman for the sect in Mexico and Central America, said Legion leaders did not reveal the accusations sooner because "it has been a very difficult process. We weren't ready to assimilate it before."

Now, he told CNN en Español, "we have to recognize the facts as they are."

Legion leaders acknowledged the delay, saying in Thursday's communique, "It's taken us some time to assimilate these events of his life. For many -- above all the victims -- this time has been too long and painful."

In addition to sexually assaulting young seminarians, Maciel fathered at least three children, Thursday's statement said.

The priest had a daughter from a stable relationship with a woman, and two men said they are his children from a relationship with another woman.

Maciel, born in March 1920, founded the Legion of Christ in January 1941.

According to the order, the Legion of Christ has a presence in 24 countries.

The first Legionaries arrived in Spain in 1946, and the order established a center in Rome in 1950. In the 1960s, the Legion established itself in Ireland and the United States. In the 1980s, the order expanded into more countries in South America and Central Europe. The Legion says it recently began pastoral projects in Eastern Europe and Philippines.

The announcement about Maciel comes against a deepening crisis in the Catholic church, which is investigating complaints of abuse in Ireland, Germany, Britain and several other countries.

Health care bill anger a sign of the times?

By Ed Hornick, CNN

March 26, 2010 4:17 p.m. EDT

Health care reform brought out many protesters such as these Monday in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Washington (CNN) -- Americans have always exercised their Democratic rights under the U.S. Constitution to speak out against the government.
Amid the bitter fight over health care reform, a round of hate-filled messages and sometimes violent actions toward members of Congress has prompted calls to ease up on the rhetoric.
Experts say that although protests against social issues such as health care reform are nothing new for the country, such reaction to a landmark bill's passing is uncommon.
"It's unusual that you get this kind of outrage and response to a piece of legislation," said historian Robert Dallek, author of the upcoming book "The Lost Peace: Leadership in a Time of Horror and Hope."
"Of course, it's being fanned in some ways by Republican leaders who keep saying majorities are against this legislation, when in fact there is a pretty even divide in the country, from what the polling data shows," he added.
And those polls indicate that while the country was somewhat evenly divided on the issue in the months leading up to the vote, there has been a bounce in favor of President Obama and the bill.
Throughout last summer and fall, health care reform protesters took to Washington and town hall meetings across the country. Signs at some protests, depicting Obama as Nazi leader Adolf Hitler or calling him a "witch doctor," created a heightened sense that the movement against health care reform had taken an ugly turn.
The recent "sleazy" behavior is highly alarming, CNN Senior Political Analyst David Gergen said.

"It is sleazy. But this whole thing has gotten to a level of nastiness that I don't think we've seen in some years," he said. "Just as the partisanship has become so hyper now, the rhetoric is so hyper."
Michael Murakami, a professor of political science at Georgetown University, said it's certainly not the first time the country has seen this kind of activity, "inspired by political events that touch a nerve."
"But it's seems like it's been the first time in recent memory that we've seen landmark legislation and also a kind of mass emotional response you get from these controversial but very landmark bills," Murakami said.
History has shown that controversial issues dealing with social or fiscal policies can be the sparks that ignite a flame in people. Here are some other notable events:
Crime bill
CNN Senior Political Analyst Gloria Borger said that a lot of the violence and threats now being reported are reminiscent of past legislation involving social issues, especially the crime bill signed by President Clinton.
The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, the largest crime enforcement legislation in U.S. history, became law in 1994. It provided funding for hundreds of thousands of police officers, gave aid to crime-prevention programs and put restrictions on weapons, including firearms.
"After the crime bill passed, people [who felt there was strict] gun control in it ... felt the role of government was too huge. After that, you had Oklahoma City [federal building bombing]," Borger said.
A bomb ripped through the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1995, killing 168 people.
Timothy McVeigh, an Army veteran, was convicted of planning the attack and setting off the bomb. He was executed in June 2001. Others, including Terry Nichols and Michael Fortier, are serving time for assisting in the crime and not warning about the attack, respectively.
A lot of the same anti-government anger was seen a couple of years before the bombing, namely in the shootout in April 1993 that started the siege of the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, by Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agents.
The government believed that the religious group, headed by David Koresh, had stockpiled weapons. A 51-day standoff ended when the FBI stormed the compound, and a group of buildings caught fire and burned to the ground, killing 80 people inside. Four ATF agents were killed.
Civil Rights Act
Going back even further, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was controversial among many in the South. And although violence against blacks continued after the bill's passage, there was no discernable peak in reaction.
"After Lyndon Johnson passed the civil rights bill in 1964, he was apprehensive that there was going to be a violent protest against it in the South," Dallek said. "This proved to be wrong."
Dallek said Johnson assumed that if the change in racial relations was done through Congress instead of the courts, "it would be very difficult for Southerners ... to express opposition in a violent way. That proved to be right."
Economic depression
But Dallek said that a lot of the anger behind the health care protest isn't just about the issue but rather people channeling frustration with the economic climate.
"I think it's partly the fact that you have this recession, an economic problem that puts people further on edge than they are normally," he said. "I think there's an awful lot of anxiety about that out there. That fans the flames of agitation."
He likens those worries to fears in the 1930s with the Great Depression.
"Remember in the 1930s when you had such a dreadful economic downturn," he said, noting that a movement popped up that was "full of a kind of rhetoric and anti-Semitism and anti-government."
"It was an explosion of populist protests, one might say, that seems not entirely divorced from the kind of thing we're seeing now," he added.
The New Deal
Julian Zelizer, a presidential historian and CNN.com contributor, wrote that frustration with joblessness -- like the opposition to Obama's economic stimulus bill -- was also seen during the New Deal era.
"It is possible that continued frustration about jobs allows Democrats to target Republicans as an obstructionist party that has in fact hampered their efforts to revitalize economic growth," Zelizer wrote in the commentary. "During the 1930s, President Franklin Roosevelt understood that you could not have recovery without jobs. This is why he made public works programs the centerpiece of the New Deal."
The New Deal, which was passed by Congress under Roosevelt's presidency, was signed into law in 1933. The legislation included economic stimulus programs aimed at jump-starting the depression economy. Much like Obama's effort, the New Deal relied on providing relief for those suffering, helping in the recovery of the country's economy and urging reform of the financial system.
The New Deal, Dallek said, provoked the creation of the Liberty League, an organization "fiercely opposed to Roosevelt's New Deal as something that was going to destroy freedom in the country and destroy the Constitution."

Although they didn't revert to violence, there were "a lot of verbal explosions of what Roosevelt's New Deal was doing in the name of small government and reducing centralized authority in the country."

Do You Think The Republicans sore losers?

Are Republicans sore losers?

Posted: 05:00 PM ET

U.S. Capitol police officers stand watch in front of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)

FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:

At the NCAA tournament, the basketball team that loses shakes hands with the team that wins. It's called sportsmanship.

You see the same thing at NFL games, the World Series and boxing matches.

But where you don't see it much these days is in Washington, DC. We have become so bitterly divided that people on the losing side of a political debate - in the case of health care reform, Republicans and their supporters - have taken to hurling insults, using names like Baby Killer and using the most vile racial epithets to refer to African-American members of the United States Congress, as well as our President.

These recent examples follow the beginning of this descent into schoolyard behavior when during the President's State of the Union address - a Republican congressman yelled out: "You lie!"

That followed talk of death panels and the government killing your grandmother.

This kind of behavior by our leaders sends a subliminal message that this kind of behavior is acceptable, and eventually you get to death threats and perhaps worse.

What exactly are we becoming here? Do members of Congress start punching each other and throwing furniture the way they do in some legislative bodies elsewhere in the world?

In fighting health care reform at every step of the way, the Republicans may have made the political miscalculation of the century. When Republican Scott Brown won in Massachusetts, the GOP figured it had the health care debate in the bag and they didn't even have to be nice about it anymore.

But they lost, and now the residue of the bile they spewed during the debate has left a nasty taste in everyone's mouth.

Here’s my question to you: Are Republicans sore losers?

Interested to know which ones made it on air?

Richard writes:
Republicans are not only sore losers but are also promoters of hateful rhetoric which has now been taken beyond just words. The party has spent so much time and effort convincing people that they should fear their government and yet they completely disavow themselves of any responsibility when those same people begin to act, in some cases, dangerously.

Joe writes:
I think the American people are upset that the majority didn't rule in a democracy because of backroom deals and promises. It's like shaking the hand of the other team, knowing they paid the referees.

Manuel writes:
We have sore losers on both sides, and the media's reporting is an enabler making it a three-ring circus, Jack. Don't we have an example out there of someone who passionately but respectfully disagrees? All we are doing is making our young people more mindless and cynical about politics.

Adam writes:
Positively, I don't remember hearing or seeing the Democrats jumping up and down pouting about the Bush tax cuts. You win the election, you set the agenda! The GOP keeps saying they are in favor of health care reform, but when they controlled Congress, I do not remember hearing one word about it. It was all tax cuts for the wealthy and spending the surplus invading sovereign nations.

JoAnn writes:
Yes, most definitely they are! Not only are they sore losers, I really feel that what they hate most was losing to an African-American.

Danny writes:
What a shame and disgrace that the Republicans have to act like bullies because they did not get their way. I have never done this before, but I have made a commitment that I will not vote Republican ever again… Those that make up the Republican Party, the religious right, the tea partiers, the social elite and mostly the wealthy, would have their will imposed on all of us who would disagree with them. Until we can agree to be disagreeable without being mean spirited, we have a very bleak future ahead, for all of us.

Filed under: Republican Party • Republicans

george		March 25th, 2010 5:15 pm ET Hi Jack, All you can do is to PRAY ,That all God has giving the power should aIso give them the WISDOM to use it...thanks
Paul		March 25th, 2010 5:15 pm ET I use the term conservatives, as there are some Republicans who are still sane. Conservatives are cowards and infantile sore losers. They have provided more than enough evidence to show that they are incapable of governing. Permanent minority status fits them to a "T." They will soon be a regional party confine to the cracker-minded states.
Tim, NC		March 25th, 2010 5:15 pm ET Not only are they sore losers, they are dangerous. Unlike a kid that doesn't like the rules and takes his ball and goes home, the Republicans just blow up the playground!!! Next, they will be recruited by Al-Qaeda!! Oh wait, they already are card carring members!!!
Robert Alba		March 25th, 2010 5:15 pm ET Their bombastic rhetoric speaks for itself. I love democracy, but unfortunately, democracy lends itself to the manipulation of the plethora of ignoramuses who are allowed to vote.
Alexa		March 25th, 2010 5:15 pm ET Yes not only are they sore losers they are dangerous. It's okay for them to ram the war down the American public throats but do something for the people that will actually help and they wrap them selves in indignation. I have in all my years would have thought that the Republicans party would sanction such stupidity. I am shamed of them condoning and spewing such hate and contempt. They were the party, in charge, when the mess we are in right now started. They were the party, in charge, and they screwed us royally. I have no respect or do I understand or do I condone the violence and hate mongering they seem to relish in.
Mike		March 25th, 2010 5:15 pm ET Actually they are sore loosers. Bush-Al Gore election really pissed me off but I respected Bush as a President.....stood by him though I disagreed with him. That is democracy. The way the right wing nuts behave is real BS
Michael Snider		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET Yes they are sore losers it started when they lost the election.I have never seen the disrespect that I have for this President.There points are not justifing the fight.You have got to hand it to them they stick together.
christy, Ohio		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET You say the Republicans have stood in the way of health reform. maybe instead they have just did not want the health care problem to jump from the skillet into the fire.,
JK Ashburn, VA		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET It's interesting all of the talk about the desire for bi-partisanship on the health care issue. It actually looks like there was a fair amount of it. 34 House Dems joined all of the House Republicans to vote no. In the Senate, 3 Dems joined 40 Republicans to vote no on the fix bill. There was indeed bi-partisan opposition to all this. No rhetoric - just facts.
Lib		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET Jack, Not only are they sore losers but they are becoming spiteful in their determination to undermine anything Democrats support. Their single-minded efforts to promote their agendas flies in the face of their diatribes against so calle " Liberal agendas". And their obstructionist actions give the lie to their "concern for and compassion for the American people" Hopefully in the 2010 elections their disregard for the welfare of ALL Americans (you must be rich and/or powerful to have them on your side) will bite them in the ass. "Good, Christian Folks? I think not.
Kelly		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET Cantor's office was shot at therefore I think it's very noble of the Republicains for not running to the media and crying threats.
Bob of Baltimore, Md		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET Yes from John Boehner's "he's a dead man" all the way down. Nothing but sore losers. Who do you think caused the epithets being yelled out because they taunted the crowd. Civility is needed. On both sides.
Tim		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET I don't know what the republicans are....They won't participate in the formation of a bill, threaten to filibuster any reform, vote against it, then act outraged after it's passed. They are like a bunch of spoiled babies pouting in the corner of the room. Led by the likes of Glen Beck and Rush Limbaugh they are basically against everything, never offering any constructive ideas. They've devolved into nothing more than an obstructionist party- they are in sore need of a leader with some vision willing to participate within the system.
Naz		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET No, Republican are not sore losers. They have to get in the game and play, before they can earn the honor of losing. But they don't even get in the game. They sit with a bag of potato chips in their living room and spit at Democrats on the TV screen. Maybe one day, they'll get off the couch, get some sunlight, and join the rest of the team that's trying to move America forward–not backwards, like they seem to enjoy.
John		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET I'm sure the Democrats would be just as quick, if not quicker, to jump the gun if Republicans got control of the Senate and House and repealed Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and this health care legislation. What the Democrats are doing is highly radical, and as history has shown us radical measures in such radically leftist times as these lead to chaos. Democrats are attacking Republicans as "sore losers" because they're playing the game of politics. Luckily for them, the courts will come down hard on them and overturn this health care legislation for its unconstitutionality. What I'll never understand, though, is how Democrats expect this country to stay afloat with this kind of debt we're accruing.
Bruce R Selman		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET Jack- The answer is simple...yes!
John		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET Your question arrogantly trivializes what is at stake in the battle over healthcare reform. I certainly do not condone the use of insults, threats, violence, or other inappropriate reactions to the outcome of the vote on Sunday, but to compare the debate itself to a sporting event where winners and losers shake hands after it is over is absurd. This is political warfare, plain and simple. Engaged conservatives (both Republican and Democrat) recognize what is at stake here. Of course, they are not going to reach across the aisle, shake hands and say "Aw shucks, I guess you guys won that one. Congratulations." Republicans and Democrats who are idealogically and passionately opposed to what this legislation represents are patriots, not sore losers. John W. – Raleigh, NC
Larry		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET The Republicans have purposely cultivated a tone of indignance incivility and downright nastiness. They seem to find it hard to believe that We The People are rejecting their policies and methods time after time.They bet everything they had on a negative Health Care stance and lost.Introspection and change are a must if their party is to survive at all, let alone make any gains.Their self-delusion is monumental.
Marilynne		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET Heck yes they're sore losers. I had to put up with 8 years of decisions I didn't agree with and I didn't throw a brick through anyone's window. Used to be I had to watch Jerry Springer to be ashamed to be an American, now I can just watch these clowns on the news and be ashamed. Seems we need to get these people to work so they don't have time for this garbage. Marilynne Virginia
Donald Schmidt		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET Apparently they are sore losers with the admendments they tried to get passed with the health care law. Delay and Say No the typical Republican strategy. President Obama and Congress did work with Republicans. President Obama meet with them but it had to be 100% their way. What do we get from the Repulican-Tea Party is more insults, racism, bigotry, distortion and lies. I really have heard enough from these sore losers. We are going to have an awakening like never before and it is not going to be the Democrats.
Mike		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET Well, not only are they sore losers–but their venemous mis-characterizations of health care reform and their obvious agenda to undermine anything and everything that President Obama proposes–has, unfortunately, unleashed the very worst in people who claim to be Americans. Shame on them.
bulldog lip		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET Of course they are, they have been a sore losers from the day they were born. They are behaving like spoil brates who lost they favorite toy right to govern.
Brandy		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET Um YES
char		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET No! Republicans are the only voice us americans have, Becaus the democrats are ignoring us! Char From Michigan
john		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET This isn't a sport, this affects people's lives. We can be angry about government passing a bill we don't agree with. If anything, America lost with such an expensive and burdensome bill that will cost future generations trillions.
larry simpson		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET the problem is not whether your republican or democrat. The problem is with all our elected representatives ignoring the will of the people. Countries around the world usually see unrest and civil engagements when they ignore their countrymen. In fact you see government takeovers. This may not happen in the United States, but we are getting perilously close I think. Somebody better start listening somewhere in washington before we see more than name calling!
David G		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET We try and teach our children to be respectful of others within our homes and the world community. If elected officials, who should be our role models, act like hooligans and thugs how can one expect any civility within our world. I remember the day when our officials referred to their “esteemed colleagues” and even if they didn’t mean it they certainly acted it. David G, Charlotte, NC
Kathy		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET Jack, "sore losers" doesn't begin to describe it. Democrats who criticized Bush policies were labeled unpatriotic and accused of aiding terrorists. The instant Republicans aren't in control, they start talking about civil war. When they're in charge, they talk about bipartisanship; now McCain now says there will be "no cooperation for the rest of the year." They had their chance, and they wrecked America and our credibility. They're not just sore losers; they're terrified that the democrats will actually get things right.
McCain-in-4		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET The Republicans are not being sore losers – not by a long shot. Each and every single one – including my idols McCain and Bennett – placed so many chips for the Democrats losing in November. Its no wonder they are hedging their bet by stonewalling, intentionally misstating facts, and befouling any shared political stage. The biggest problem I fear is congressmen will start looking like WWF Wrestling maniacs with hyperthyroid conditions and disposition to match... whoops, too late.
Sandy		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET If they lost they would have been equally sore winners. They just want to bring down the country by bringing down the first black president. I have grandchildren who at 2 are more mature than any republican we have seen recently.
Joan		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET I am disgusted with the behavior of the Republican Congressmen, Fox News and hate radio. How any person with any kind of values, never mind Christian values, agree with them is beyond me They are responsible for the grid lock in Washington. Someone should tell them they are there to do the peoples' business not the Republican party's business. I also blame the main stream media for not calling them out for their lies (death panels, etc) and giving them a platform. All politicians should be called out on air if they are lying.
Garnet, Corning. OH		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET Jack, with the way these adults have been acting, "sore losers" is the most civil name I would call them.
Jason Anderson		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET Our founding fathers routinely got into fistfights on government issues. Heck, some of them even killed each other in duels. And those were the "enlightened" drafters of our nation. While technology and medicine have grown by leaps and bounds in the last 200 some years, mankind is just the same.
Nathan		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET This "win at all costs" attitude has permeated through all of American life. Compromise is now considered weakness. The country's future and the American people are not contestants on some crazy reality show. it seems that politicians on both sides of the aisle act as if it is.
Harry		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET The country is polarizing into groups separated by mutual hatred. Leaders should be teaching compromise through reasonable dialogue. Stroudsburg, PA
Scott		March 25th, 2010 5:16 pm ET It seems the Republican strategy of misinforming the masses and waiting for the Democrats to divide and implode failed. Now that different polls suggest the majority is now accepting the bill, they will be seen as the obstructionists they have been. Their arguing drew people's attention to the bill, and people are starting to realize it doesn't look so bad. They need to run on something other than fear and anger for a change.
Henry Bergstresser		March 25th, 2010 5:17 pm ET The Republicans and too many others in the country have forgotten how a Democracy works....compromise! We compromise and then vote and everyone 'wins' because we all had a say in the final outcome. The Republicans refused to participate and now they are acting like spoiled children.
Angela		March 25th, 2010 5:17 pm ET Yes they are sore losers. What's wose, is that they call themselves Christian. Just remember this, God don't like ugly!
Tom from Vermilion, Ohio		March 25th, 2010 5:17 pm ET Sore losers? No, just losers.
Rob Raney		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET yes!! HELL YES!! Not only sore losers but fear mongering ignorant liars. Republicans have become the biggest cry babies!! The Good Old Party should be ashamed!
Joanne		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET I am appalled by the Republicans' reaction to health reform. Poor sports is too soft of a term! How different the mood of our country would be if they had responded differently. They are promoting by their obstinate stand chaos and violence. Is this what they want for the United States of America?
Scott		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Obama is truly a gifted post-partisan man stuck in a patisan world. He teaches the example of compromise and working together but the petulant children of the Republican party aren't ready, and use thuggery and lies to stoke their base. Now people like Eric Cantor are blaming the Democrats for stoking the fire they started, by politicizing the issue...it's already been politicized by the Republicans and if there is an assination or some other violence it will be the Republicans fault NOT the Democrats, yep sore losers and children.
Peggy Sasso		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Yes, the Republicans are sore losers. They are acting like spoiled brats. Something needs to be done about such outrageous behavior. Left unchecked will only get worse. Peggy From Georgia
John C- Chicago, IL		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET I don't believe Republicans are sore losers. When over 1/2 the country is opposed to this, I believe the Republicans are in fact doing exactly what the majority of the American public wanted in the first place, and that was to kill the bill. It is the Democrats who have forced this partisan legislation through, using shady methods, against what clearly the majority of Americans wanted, and now you see the President out there trying to sell it. If you ask me, it's clearly damage control and we'll see how good of a job was done come November. If Massachusetts, Virginia and a handful of other Democrat strongholds were any indicator, the Democrats are going to have a real sobering time after the November elections.
Michael Cole		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET I think so, I'm a conservative democrat that votes republican 50% of the time. I don't understand their argument. Where they not in power for 8 years while Bush was President? They did nothing with Health Care, Immigration, Banking Reform.....I could go on and on. They had their chance to do something and chose not to. Either Lead, follow or get out of the way. Everyone says that Americans didn't want this bill....why? Because of all the negative talk from the one side of the aisle. The only ones I see complaining about the bill are the ones that already have Health Care and don't have to worry about it. Why weren't the same deficit concerns brought up when Bush was fighting a war without putting aside on dime towards the effort? If a Republican President would have sponsored this same exact bill the opposition would be the Democrats neither side will give the other credit for anything. I know how I'm voting in the fall....incumbents out, no matter what party.
ken		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Where was your indignation when the Liberals were after Bush, including, a movie about killing George Bush? The tone against Bush was way beyond any of this, and you were fine with it.
David		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Indeed, the Republicans are sore losers. Perhaps the Democrats should turn up the heat on those who dissent violently. The government of Argentina, between 1976 and 1983, were very effective in dealing with those who ignored the rule of law in a violent fashion. Let's hope that such drastic, albeit effective, methods are not utilized in the USA. However, should it come to that, the violent members of the Republican party will have only themselves to blame.
leland frederick		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET i watch alot, but kept my distance till today. thank you for saying loudly and with conviction what needed to be said aout the lunacy in our politics. this was your magnum opus–well said. thank you again and God Bless the USA and deliver us from smalness and meanness. LLF
ryan		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET What another great week for "conservatives" and the Republican party...Ann Coulter's hate speech, Randy Neugebauer "Baby Killer" comment, not "it's a baby killer", Sarah Palin's website placing targets on a US map representing Democratic members of Congress homes, The so called tea party which is nothing more than the fringe republican element that jumped ship on their own party and hijacked another and their racist and violent hate speech and threats... should i go on, sore losers? more like born losers.
Tino		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET You have to ask the question? Of course they are! They are lots of other things too... and none of them good!
rich		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Yes, I agree with you, the Republicans are sore losers. I am disgusted with the vitriol, name calling, hyperbole, and inflammatory rhetoric spewing out of the mouths of conservatives. If anything terrible happens to any politician (God please forbid) as a result of this disgraceful flame-fanning behavior, I will blame Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, and the cowardly, VICIOUS Republican leadership of Mitch McConnell and John Boehner. And I hope some prosecutor out there does too and tries them for inciting violence.
chris		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET I'm neither a Democrat nor a republican. Watching how the health bill became law was very disheartening. Both Republicans and Democrates behave the same. We need to vote out all of them and start over! We need people that will work together for us. Not for their own agendas.
Lou Christine		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET They were sore losers when Clinton defeate Bush I and certain elements spread lies about Clinton and even his mom. It's the same strategy, they lose, they create lies. They lied about Iraq to go to war so why shouldn't be sore losing liars about anything else. The GOP has always been sore losers, looking to have minority rules!
Jesse		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Jack The Republicans are not so much sore losers as they are complete and utter hypocrites. When President Bush won in the circus election of 2000, the GOP operated as though it had an electoral mandate, (from the Supreme Court, I guess) ramming through massive tax-cuts, an unneccessary war in Iraq, and billions in medicare entitlements–all accomplished through deficit spending. Now that the Democrats have a legitimate electoral mandate, the GOP is crying foul as the winning party (we do have a democracy remember) proceeds to try and fix a system that everyone agrees is broken. No, Jack, the Republicans aren't sore losers, they simply think they are above the game. Jesse Washington State
Joan in Canada		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Yes, the Republicans are sore losers and not only that ; they think that by inciting racial and people hatred with their insidius remarks they will scare people into thinking their way. Isn't that a form of terrorism???
Trentony		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Hey Jack, Perhaps Big Pharma has asked the Reb-publicans for their donation money back since they could not deliver on the promise to protect them while sacrificing the middle-class.
The Broker.		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET "When the newspaper first came on the streets 200yrs ago, it was payed for by the people, to speak for the people. These days it is employed by the news-followers, but dictated to by the Government, on what they may pass on to the people." it is about time people told you how they feel, and rammed it home.."
Eric R.		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET I get so tired of hearing the GOP tell me what Americans are feeling when the Americans they are refering to in my opinion are the ones with all the influence(big busuness and lobbiest). How can you not regulate the insurance and banking industries when they have proven again and againg they cannot be responsible for their own greed.
C. Fowler		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET I agree with everything addressed in this article. Quite frankly, I can almost never say that. What is concerning to me is these people who are lashing out at Democrats who were doing their jobs, while Republicans did all they could to stop the system from working. They still lost. Now, there are reports of people are smashing windows, sending threatening letters and even one case of a suspected biological attack on those who supported the healthcare bill. I wonder how many of these Americans who are retaliating, in some cases illegally, would call themselves more patriotic than those they are targeting. Are they not the definition of terrorists? How many of them supported invading Iraq in 2003?
Bob		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET The republicans are very sore losers. As an American, I'm insulted that the republican response to the Health Care bill is to incite violence against Democrats. We are at war on terror, with troops in both Iraq & Afghanistan, we should not be targeting each other.
Al from Michigan		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Like Tom from Ohio, on this issue, "just losers"
Kevin in C'Town		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Nor only are they sore losers, but they're being very short-sighted. The only way they'll make substantial gains at the ballot box is by crafting a logical, coherent, positive message that actually solves problems. They need to stop simply being Anti-Democrats.
Clay Wheeler		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Yes, they're sore losers. I'm 46 years old and have been a registered Republican since I was 18. I did not vote for Obama but now I believe he truly cares for the people. WE NEED HEALTH CARE REFORM fellow GOP members! STOP embarrassing me!
Dana Campbell		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Republican politicians are bums. It took them only 30 years to destroy our nation. Thank God for President Obama. He is willing to pursue the hard right against the easy wrong. The GOP is not our cup of tea.
Swimming Turtle		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Yes, sore losers.......... Losers Period!!!! Republicans ate mongering and misinformation, people will not forget this. Christians.........NOT....they have no idea what that means!!!!!!
Brian		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET In my lifetime of 57 years I have never seen bullying and childishness at this level in Congress. You are understating the case when you say the Republicans are sore losers. They have created a climate which can easily foster violence. It's frightening. Disingenuousness has become a dark art that the Republicans excel at. They will feign surprise when someone actually gets murdered as a result of their words and actions.
Todd		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Of course they are. The Republicans continue taking political beatings and they are lashing out in an unprofessional and childish manner as a last resort. Aside from the far right NeoCons (who frighten me), I’m not sure who the Republicans appeal to anymore. Todd Portland, OR
L.C.		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET In a word Jack... "Heck Yes!" Of darn, that was two word. Well, it doesn't matter if the Republicans are looking at this they won't be able to read it anyway. All they can see right now is red.
Senior Misterioso from Somewhere Unknown		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET It's gone way beyond sore losers, Jack. The Republicans are hell bent on bringing Obama down at any cost, even if it means tearing the country apart. Power is the only thing that matters to them, all else be dammed.
Yvonne Fleming		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET It seems that many who refer to the "you lie" quote has forgotten the groaning and booing that went on when President Bush was speaking on the floor of Congress. All our Senators and Representatives need to start acting more civil to one another when they disagree on an issue. The People are tired of Congress working against each other instead of with one another. sincerely, Yvonne Fleming
A. Martin		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Not only SORE Losers but dangerously ANGRY too ! I had to endure 8 years of George Bush and never insulted anybody for it. Democracy must be complemented by respect towards different ideas. Where did the TEA Parties hide during the Bush years?
Suzie Asfaw		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Hello Jack, excellent question. Here is my answer -Yes, they ARE!
Eugenio M. Albano		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Perhaps some Republicans are sore losers. And perhaps the manner in which Congress passed the Health Bill was sleazy with back room, 'Democrats only' meetings and their sleight of hand. Violence is not the solution, but healthy debate and protest according to our democracy should not be viewed as acting as a poor loser.
Andy, Naperville, IL		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Jack, No, not yet. It's like the five stages of dying: first there was the anger, now denial, they'll skip over the bargaining stage since their strategy is "just say no to everything", depression (after November), then comes the "sore loser" stage. Andy
Linda		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET Worse than sore losers, Jack. Hypocritical bullies. Ironic, isn't it, that they actually pass legislation regarding school age bullies that they completely disregard themselves. Calling on citizens to "arm themselves" as in the case of Michele Bachman is not only stupid, but dangerous.
Frank Nieves		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET I think people were fed up with the whole process including the delay tactics of the republicans and I think everyone thought alll the bickering would come to end once the bill would be passed or defeated. I think republicans are sore losers and sre looking down the road and see that social history was made, that something in Washington was done and it wasn't a war. i think we are all like the people in the movie "Network" where they yelled ou thteir windows"I'm fed up with everhting and i am not going to take this anymore. People are frustrated on the disconnect with politicians -the media missed a big story about that flying into a IRS warehouse because he felt that was the onlly voice he had-this is a population in crisis.
Stevenjb		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET I suspect that the home-grown terrorism targeting the Congress and Senate is not the result of the HealthCare Bill passing, but directly influenced by the disinformation spread by Republicans and lobbyists. Their scare tactics are coming home to roost and they should be held accountable. Some Republicans may indeed be sore losers, and what they have lost is the respect and trust of many Americans.
John Biggs		March 25th, 2010 5:26 pm ET The behavior during the health care debate and after the voting process only indicates a bigger problem in Washington. Decisions are made strictly by the party line, not whether or not it is for the benefit of the people of the US. These politicians, Republican or Democrat, represent the people who elected them to office and should reflect the views of those people. The whole vindictive atmosphere between both parties in Washington make me sick. Maybe it's time for a third party that more effectively represents the voters and just let the Republicans and Democrats fight it out with each other.
Wayne		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Absolutely they are sore losers. Angela is right, they call themselves the christian conservative right, yet they are acting like the most disrespectful and hate-filled group of people that they may be bordering on insanity. They were so used to getting their way when Bush was in office, and now they just don't know how to act when they don't get their way. Their "true" colors are showing, and it's not red, it's plain ugly.
Christopher		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET The Republican party is dying. Its members would never admit it, but they do feel it on a subconscious level. This is causing them to flail in desperation, with no thought to the consequences of their actions. The message the GOP is sending has become more and more extremist by the day, and could lead us to a very bad place with no way to turn around.
Richard		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET The Republicans today have shamed the party of Lincoln. They have associated with Tea Party racists and the wealthy elite.
Seamax		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Yes. They just wanted to block this initiative at all costs. In going all out for political gains they lost perspective on making a profound impact on health care. After more than a year of discussion they had a single line of thought – "start over". Seriously? start over after 1 year of back and forth and arguing the same points over and over? That would have been the worst thing to do. To drag these further than it already has. The democrats and the president also made a few mistakes. The health summit should have been held much earlier and the president should have gotten much more involved in the initial stages. Also, they did a piss poor job of communicating the benefits of the health care reform.
Nate		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET From Bloomington, Ind Republicans have just painted themselves into a corner. Having made a 14 month campaign out of the claim that health care reform would mean that the sky is falling, they're now faced with two choices neither of which is very attractive. Either they concede that they were over-stating the scale of the calamity they were predicting, or they continue to sell that same snake oil with even greater conviction than before. They've obviously chosen option #2. Whether they really believe it's the apocalypse or not isn't that important; to save face they have to ACT like it is.
JWL		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET They have shown the world that they are Losers for quite some time now, I don't know but they should be sore by now.
solomon		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET The term sore looser is an understatement. When bush was runaway train where were all these so called pAtriots at? The racism and bigotry people are showing that's been furthered by threats and other criminal conduct should help us to know who the opposition was to this bill. By their conduct, it's not "like" the 60's. Apparently it is!
Jeff		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Yes! There is no doubt in my mind they are sore losers. And it isn't just healthcare, a good many Republicans don't want to accept the election results from November 2008. Where do you think all this "birther" nonsense comes from? This is nothing new.... I don't believe they ever accepted the election results in 1992 that put Bill Clinton in office. Many Republicans are just sore losers period.
Paul		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET I am very disappointed in the GOP right now. I can't listen to any of them anymore. Please change the topic on your broadcast...
Tony Dean Los Angeles, CA		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET It's embarrassing to see the party of Ronald Reagan and George Bush, Sr. reduced to a series of "tantrums" that are more indicative of behavior exhibited by my 5-year old son. Actually, that's not even my fair to my son. Sorry, Miles.
Sara in Sherwood, ND		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET The right has institutionalized rude language and name-calling and incitement to violence (Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck) and disrespect for opposing views (You Lie! Baby Killer!). They are not only sore losers, they are the role models for the present incivility. Their financial support for the rages and outrages of the teaparty movement is more than tacit agreement with their tactics; it is downright encouragement and support. These people do not deserve to be called leaders.
Clayton		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET No. The Republicans are simply playing the watchdog role which is always played by the party not in power. Besides that, poll after poll, after poll shows almost 65% of Americans DID NOT want this bill to pass! They are simply speaking for the people.
Mary		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Yes the Republicans are sore losers and vindictive. I hope people remember how they have conducted themselves when they go to the poles to vote in November. We don't need more of these loose cannons in our government..
Kevin Griffin		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET You have no idea what you're talking about. Sore losers? Sometimes when you believe in something you have to fight for it – unfortunately liberals like you have no idea what that means. You stand for whatever is popular at the time. Today it's global warming, tomorrow healthcare – what will be next and where does it start. Bigger government, more centralized power and less individual rights. Amazing how it happens so slowly – soon there will be few individual rights left. Sore losers? Check out what the American people thought about the health care fiasco. Just by writing that statement you show that you really have no clue!
MOHAMMED JAN		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Republicans are as bad & dangerous for America as Talibans.
ed		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET When the leader of the opposition party uses animated vocal and body language recently reminds me of the leader of the Nationalist Socialist movement in Germany in the '30's and '40's inciting the populace. He should be ashamed of himself abusing his powers of leadership but I doubt that as he seems to have plenty of sheep. Can't you people see what is happening to your Country ? God Help America and the rest of us !
Stephanie, Vancouver, BC		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET It is just plain sad to sit across the border and see what is happening in your country, Jack. The hatred and anger on display mainly perpetuated by the Republicans and the media with the constant obsession with elections rather than governing does not bode well for the future of the country.
Jeff		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Come on jack you can do better then that, you pretty much answered the question in your opening statement. It's so obvious that we don't need to even ask the question. The question we should ask is what do we do about it before it gets completely out of hand and someone gets hurt over it.
Angel		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET I think they are very poor loosers, and they are behaving worse than children. I dis like the Republicans more and more each day. They are not for the people, but for themselves. They do not care what is best for the American People. They also tell lies!
Rudolph		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Yes. They miscalculated. Instead of joining in the process and drafting legislation that could vote for, they made the choice to say "no" on everything and exclude themselves. They are acting like children. When Republican ideas were put into the original House bill, not a single House Republican voted for it. Dems knew they were going to have to go it alone. Republicans have made it very clear they are simply willing to stop any progress or hold the country in status quo in "hope" they can win back the WH in 2012.
oregon ruben		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Yes, but their childish poor sportsmanship has nothing to do with health care, they are sore about losing the presidency. They will tell lies and vote NO to anything that might make Obama look bad. The GOP doesn't care about issue. They want Obama to fail, period.
David Vincent		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Yes. I would have to say liars and sore losers. They have misrepresented health care to the point of absurdity and I hope they have to pay by lack of support by the American people. People in my own family have been Republicans all their lives but I switched to the Democrats when Bush Sr. said the answer to the countries economic problems was to lower the tax rate on capital gains while my wage earning tax rate would remain the same. This is just more of the same inequality that has overtaken the Republican party and will marginalize their voice in government which is needed for the balance this country needs.
Gennaro		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Republican sore losers? You betcha! -Gennaro in Chicago
Toadstoolbob		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET I wonder when the Republicans are going to call the Democrats Poopie Faces and take their toys and go home!
Sonny		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Yes, The Republicans are sore losers, and your observation of their party is dead-on. Yes, I am a Democrat (who by the way voted for Arnold for CA Governor) but I certainly am civil about it – and would never have expected or seen my party be so disgustingly rude to Bush for 8 years. I disagreed with him on almost everything – as did a lot of people, but you never saw the reaction from the Senate or Congress as we see now. Jack, it saddens me to say that there is an underlying message from the Republicans that smack of racism. They just want Obama to fail, no matter what he does. You are absolutely right about it all blowing up in their faces. Thanks,
Ann Perry Garland Tx		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Yes Jack they are sore losers and the Republican think they are more religious than Democract.What a laugh...They can't act right when they all get to gether to hear the President give a speach.So.Carolina and Texas leading the way with two jerks.
Kathryn		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET I am appalled with the violence being perpetuated from special interest groups, and the media. Yes, the Republican party is acting like poor losers, and it is absolutely irresponsible for John McCain to say there will be no further cooperation between the parties. I think everyone who has been sent to Washington need to remember the American people votes them in to do what was right for the people, not special interests, not their own agendas, etc.
Michael Gerard		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Are Republicans sore losers? Hell, they still don't understand that they've lost. Democrats were elected to the majority in both the House and the Senate – and then a Democrat was elected president. But for some reason, the Republican leadership of John Boehner and Mitch McConnell still think they are the majority. They are oblivious to the 'will of the people' – and still shout at the top of their lungs that it is Democrats that do not "listen to the will of the people". Hey Rpublicans: What part of the phrase "MINORITY PARTY" do you not understand? Michael Chagrin Falls, OH
Alan		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Yes Jack...Republicans are not only sore loosers, but they are allowing the "right wing fringe" of loonies to go beserk! The World despised the US over the past 8 years because of the "right wing" policies of the Bush administration. It is disgraceful to watch the racist, right-wing low-life citizens of the US, although in minority, bare their "fangs" against an administration that is trying very hard to address the inequalities of the past century towards minorities – people of colour and women. The world is "watching" and the Republican party is in danger of being classified as a "Facist" party. Alan
Scott from Parkersburg, WV		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET I think the reason the Republican's have such a backlash is this goes STRAIGHT to the heart of basic ideology. I do not believe the Liberals believe in the virtues of free market capitalism. I think most on both side are in favor of regulation in key area's. But the government takeover is what really makes this a touchy issue. Why can't we regulate in key area's, ensure no monopolies exist and pass laws to encourage competition in the free market economy instead of having a large government operation? I think most people would rather see less government and better free market principles in place.
Matt Chicago		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET No more than Democrats when the Republicans are in charge.
Doris, Gatesville,TX		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Republicans are showing their true colors. I hope Democrats will not rise to the bait they are putting out. Republicans are the sorest losers. They need to get used to it.
Kay		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET They have gone far beyond the point of "sore loser". They have lost touch with the masses and allowing the far right views be their norm. If they don't change things soon I see very good results for the Dems in November.
James Thannikary		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Yes, they are big time loosers.
Lori Wisinski		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Is this the image of democracy that we are sending around the world; especially to Iraq and Afghanistan, the countries that we are supposedly helping to become democratic? Lori Wisinski St Petersburg, Fl
Gregory Miami Beach, Fl.		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET What I saw, looked more like a riot after a soccer match. Many of these are good people, who are just scared, and should be reached out to. It almost seems like a new form of racism, political racism, that has not only polarized Democrats, and Republicans, but divided the republicans. I guarantee that if the the news was regulated to keep from giving people misleading information , such as misleading polls, and extremists being given a voice from either side. It seems the news has the power to bring us together or pull us apart. Keep it real!
Sherry		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET It is obvious that the Republican Party are sore losers and they have no class. They have created an atmosphere of discontent this past year by their behavior. Americans with common sense can see that and so can the rest of the world. How embarrassing for those of U.S. that are trying to fix the broken government. In any endeavor that one takes they are criticized or called terrible names. I hope law enforcement will find those at fault for these unspeakable actions and bring them to justice for not only the Democrats but the honest Republicans that are only doing what they are told by their leaders. I hold the leaders of Republican Party responsible. They could have nipped this in the bud, a year ago.
Liza		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET They like democracy but when results favor them. They don't know how to lose and they still do not accept the fact that president Obama won the election fair and square, he did not steal it like in 2000. He ran on the health care reform theme and many people in the country voted for him because of this promise. Today he has delivered it and even though ever one has the right to protest, it is time to behave like civilized people.
S. Levin		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET You "betcha" they are sore losers and a lot of other things too. If it weren't for liberals, we wouldn't have civil rights, women's rights, gay rights, social security or medicare. I, for one, do not want to regress to the 1900's..
The Other G. W.		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Absolutely! This is the biggest temper tantrum I've ever seen!!! Brick throwing, spitting, yelling, insults all of it – childish and one more example of why they are not fit to run the nation! I mean, that kind of behavior got us into Iraq and Afghanistan and that kids has cost us at least 10 Times what Health Care will EVER cost us! The GOP has absolutely no problem flushing money down the toilet in acts of war but flips out like 6 year olds who didn't get their favorite candy. ENOUGH ALREADY!
Jerry		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Yes, there have been times when our legislators have come to blows. There have also been times when they have risen to the occasion. Over the long haul, I believe in our country's ability to steer a steady course. A generation from now, those who are reaping the benefits of this reform will wonder what all the hubbub was about. That being said, what concerns me is that communication is so instantaneous now that this poor behavior almost immediately permeates our society. Our leaders should keep that in mind and hold themselves to a higher standard than past generations.
Richard		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Why do Republicans think the country belongs to them ONLY??? Whenever they are upset, they expect everybody to go hide. NOT THIS TIME!!!
sandy at Tucson		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Give it few months and country will realize that healtcare reform was a great decision. May be the republicans will change their tone then and start talking positive instead of being a bunch of cry babies.
Denny		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Jack, the republicans are just trying to make Rush Limbaugh's wish come true; that Obama fails!
Yael		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET I think it has taken enormous courage for the Democrats to keep pressing forward in spite of Republican bully tactics. Yes, they are sore losers but more to the point, their practices have been dangerous to our country's standing in the world. Jason Anderson sums it up correctly when he says..."Our founding fathers routinely got into fistfights on government issues. Heck, some of them even killed each other in duels. And those were the "enlightened" drafters of our nation. While technology and medicine have grown by leaps and bounds in the last 200 some years, mankind is just the same." Mankind has become more enlightened but clearly, that doesn't apply to everyone.
Tony W		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET Yes, just listen to John McCain. They did nothing for four years when they ran Congress and the Presidency. Southeastern Virginia "Go Navy"
hooverguide		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET What ever happened to civility and diplomacy? Do our elected officials believe we, the people, approve of this sort of behavior? Since when did being Republican or Democrat replace the notion and or value of the common sense of a "reasonable man"? Do we have any hope of finding a reasonable person who can give up party rhetoric to do what is right for the good of many? Speaking as one of we, the people, I beseech that individual to to come forward to act with goodwill towards all and malice towards none.
Scott Stodden		March 25th, 2010 5:27 pm ET In ways you can say they are sore losers given the past responses they had from past bills that were debated and passed but Jack I really do have to say as a Democrat that the Republicans have been pretty much good losers when Health Care was passed and they are responding in ways to all the threats and evil acts that have been hurled at Democratic lawmakers in Congress! I can say the Republicans were really respectful and held there own when Health Care passed now before that yeah they pretty much are sore losers! Scott Stodden (Freeport,Illinois)
Mary Tomblin		March 25th, 2010 5:28 pm ET The Republicans cannot accept loss of power, therefore, they are like kindergartners who haven't learned to play well with others. I am a retired teacher.
Larry J		March 25th, 2010 5:28 pm ET Yes, the Republicans are sore losers and they are in the midst of becoming a politically extinct party! Do they know the country is evolving into a more diverse open-minded society with less tolerance for the bigoted childish rhetoric coming from the right. Will the leaders of the minority party dare explain to their great grandkids in the near future that they were the ones that ruined the Republican party by adopting the mindset of opposing everything progressive and righteous.
Camille		March 25th, 2010 5:28 pm ET In a word Jack,... YES.
Paul		March 25th, 2010 5:28 pm ET Hi Jack,worked all my life and just retired really don't want people to give up a nother day's wages to support illegals and lazy peopl for health care GET A JOB..
Nancy		March 25th, 2010 5:28 pm ET The biggest losers I've seen. Some of them, like Michelle Bachman are actually dangerous.
Mike		March 25th, 2010 5:28 pm ET Neither side is behaving very well. The Dems would not consider any thing from the GOP and now it is just name calling. The only real losers are the American people which just got a law that is not the best that both sides had to offer but the result of a political slugfest.
Capt. Trip Trepagnier		March 25th, 2010 5:28 pm ET The Republicans don't appear to be sore losers, when their comments are juxtaposed against the President's giddy, sophomoric proclamations about the win that are glaringly beneath the dignity of the Presidency... Northshore, LA
S. Ramsey		March 25th, 2010 5:28 pm ET They are beyond sore losers, they are irresponsible and self serving individuals who have forgotten why they are getting paid by us. All those hearings that were cancelled and speakers who were sent home... guess who paid for all that wasted money to get these people to D.C. from Korea and Hawaii, and all the wasted salaries we are paying Congress while they do nothing but act like petulant children? We are paying for it. If they worked anywhere else they would be fired! And the lack of responsibility in ramping up this crazed group of numbnuts who are threatening violence is outrageous. What a disgrace this party has become.
DonJuan1943		March 25th, 2010 5:28 pm ET Not necessarily sore; ...just losers.
tom from florida,ohio		March 25th, 2010 5:29 pm ET Sore losers would be a breath of fresh air. The question is how many of them are certifiable. Did you hear Cantor's latest statements? It seems about 30% of the public is either a wingnut,a gun nut, or just plain crazy,including the leadership. Hey Repubicans. You don't win elections with 30% of the vote. My Cod,do something to regain some sanity.
Vash		March 25th, 2010 5:29 pm ET I call this the "George Bush effect" the mentality of either you or with me or your are evil is terrible. This is not the way the republican senators and members of congress should behave. WE have just made history, no one says that this is not a huge expenditure, but at least lets work together, get what we can get implemented and improve it as we go on. It is very shameful behavior by the republicans..in a nutshell yes they are sore looses.!!
John R.		March 25th, 2010 5:29 pm ET Sore losers? Could they be worse than that? The Republicans are engaging in hate and fear mongering, all under the guise of doing what's right by and for the American people. Which people and which forms of extremism do they represent espousing such vitriol? All one has to do is take a look among the Republican ranks to know how disassociated the Party is from the diversity of America. It's a crying shame, and John Boehner as the Party's legislative standard bearer should issue a strong rejection of the "unintended" consequences that he's fomented with his incendiary rhetoric.
Butch Addison		March 25th, 2010 5:29 pm ET They are sore losers. Not only have they been insighting violence,they have lied and misrepresented the facts. The media instead of calling them on it get deaf and dumb, and don't say a word like they are brain dead. Get to work and challenge them when they twist the facts. They have become for sometime now a disgrace not only to their party but also to all americans!!!
gordon		March 25th, 2010 5:29 pm ET Sore or not, they are losers headed for bigger losses. As a former mainstream Republican and precinct committee person I can attest to the glacial drift of Republican from conservative and inclusive to ultra-conservative and exclusive. I left in the 1980s and registered as a NP, non-partisan. It was good for all. I can now vote for the best candidate unfettered by party affiliation. I recommend everyone not active in party politics to register as an Independent or non-partisan, thereby sending a message to both parties that you are prepared to vote for the best candidate.
Frank James		March 25th, 2010 5:29 pm ET Osama Bin Ladin and all who hate us are probably laughing with glee how we fight among ourselves. They pray that we destroy ourselves with this horrible political discourse. If we do not find common ground we will fail our country and the ideals it has stood for. A democracy divided will not stand. The Republicans are sore losers and now have lost all credibility with me. Frank Lake Oswego, Oregon
Vicki Elertson		March 25th, 2010 5:29 pm ET In a word YES. I'm so fed up with the Republicans acting like school yard bully's. What are we teaching , by example, our children and grand children? How to be a bully and be proud of it. At the school where I now work, we have character education and pride ourselves on being a bully free school. What are these people proud of? I ran a company for 20 years and I saw and enjoyed all the benefits the Republicans gave to business. If I still ran that business now, I would be more than happy to pay a higher tax rate, I could afford it!!!!! When is enough enough?????
Venetta		March 25th, 2010 5:29 pm ET Jack, In all my 49 years of living , I have never seen such behaiver by grown men and women in the White House. The Republican Party had eight years to do something for all Americans but instead they sent us to a war that we never should have been in, and now that the President pass a bill that would benefit some of these same Republicans siblings and friends they are angrey. It is a bill for all Americans. They are sore Losers
ML Cobbinah		March 25th, 2010 5:29 pm ET Yes, they are sore losers and also the members of the Tea Party. And you wonder why our young kids are solving their differences with each other in violent ways? Who's learning from whom?
Rick		March 25th, 2010 5:29 pm ET Before President Obama even took the oath of office, Mitch McConnell hatched his plan to persistently obstruct President Obama at every turn. That is when the sore losing began. And yes, to answer your question, Republicans are indeed sore losers. They rigged the 2000 and 2004 elections, and they've come unhinged over the fact that they lost a fair election in 2008.
Steve L Jennings		March 25th, 2010 5:30 pm ET The Republicans Do not consider that they are losers. Constantly putting out disinformation on anything that Obama wants to do even if it was their idea. The Republicans think that if they call it socialism and make up stories like Death Panels.They can bring down the Democratic Party. People believe it.Hey we have a President that wasn't born in America don't we???
Corina		March 25th, 2010 5:30 pm ET Yes republicans are sore losers. It is horrible to think that these people have any kind of say in what happens in our country. They are acting more like sports fans then responsible leaders of our country.
carol		March 25th, 2010 5:30 pm ET You think?! They've already indicated they want Obama to fail at whatever he does and kill his presidency. McCain appears to be an old bitter man who is chafing from losing the presidency.
tony F.		March 25th, 2010 5:30 pm ET What burns me is they are unapologetic, they think can explain that it's both sides. But we didn't see this at all during the bush admin when they were in charge.
Charles		March 25th, 2010 5:30 pm ET Yes, Republicans are sore losers..they whine and whine and whine about every little thing. Maybe we should just put them in some diapers, give them baby milk and a lollipop just to make them feel better. Why dont they just sit and down and shut up and deal with like a man or a woman.
abdullah muhammad		March 25th, 2010 5:30 pm ET TheRepublicans congress try to any thing they can, to stop pres. Obama, from being, suscessful for the American people. they,re not God, fearing to under stand that The Creator, has power over all things .
chuck lanzieri		March 25th, 2010 5:30 pm ET An undeveloped ego can be expressed as the perosnality trait you loosely describe as "sore loser". It does not predict ones political views. Judging by the comments generated by your question, one might resonably ask if democrats are in fact sore winners.
Keith Lawlor		March 25th, 2010 5:31 pm ET Yes they are sore losers, and what gets me is they said that most of the American people didn’t want this health care bill to pass, I don't know what American people THEY were talking to but everyone I know knew it was the right thing to do.
Squirt South Carolina		March 25th, 2010 5:31 pm ET The Republicans want everything their way. They don't get sick, so they don't need healthcare. They don't invest in the stock market, so let the "little people" get burned by Wall Street. They don't drive Toyotas so it's okay if a couple of 'em run away with a wide open throttle!! Nothing seems to affect the Republicans, so they don't care what happens to the average American. And I use that word pointedly—I am an American veteran who served his country for many years. How many of them—Republican or Democrat—have worn the uniform and spent any time in a foxhole??
Monila75		March 25th, 2010 5:31 pm ET That's an understatement! but the answer is 'Hell' yes. The Good ole boy club are sore losers. a bunch of old men that lie like hell and do not care about you, nor me. I Wouldn't vote for no one that said 'NO'. America is the land of the free,m where most people are in bondage. There you President Obama, Pelosi, Clyburn, Lewis all of the Democratic party. The three that walkied hand in hand; that was beautiful.
Jon		March 25th, 2010 5:31 pm ET Joan, you are right. There should be a 'Joe (you lie!) Wilson' around every microphone to call out Republican liars, misstaters, misrepresenters, etc.
Ronald J. Frederick		March 25th, 2010 5:31 pm ET Some people can't stand to lose but that's life. You win some you lose some. Those that don't know the difference are not sore losers, they are just losers
dave		March 25th, 2010 5:31 pm ET It is amazing how so many of you are willing to let your freedoms go bye bye. When you have turned everything over to the government and are left with nothing maybe then you will realize that it wasn't such a great idea!
Mark Anchorage		March 25th, 2010 5:32 pm ET Yes, I think the Republicans should be ashamed for the way they are handling this loss, and the way their reaction is provoking people around the nation to behave like middle school bullies. I'm curious to see the argument people are posing who say the Republicans are NOT being sore losers. Surprise me.
Manny Dorado		March 25th, 2010 5:32 pm ET Both Democrats and Republicans want to play "victim" to get some help this November. What they need to realize is that the ones suffering are the American people, while they both whine about who started it we are the ones who are getting affected by the lack of leadership that both party members were elected to do. It's like watching an episode of "Jon and Kate plus 8" with all the crying.
Patrick M From Iowa		March 25th, 2010 5:32 pm ET Jack, Not only are the Republicans sore losers, I believe in their apparent hatred of Obama and his policies has an underlying stench of hatred toward Obama and his race. Today it is less acceptable to profess one's racism as compared to the 60's but believe me many of the Rebublicans and some of the Bluedog Dems still demonstrate in action their vile for those of color AND they claim to be the party of PROGRESSION B.S.
Mark McKee		March 25th, 2010 5:32 pm ET Sore losers? Maybe. These are all just symptoms of an ignorant electorate. These tea-baggers behave as if they never heard of Tom Delay, and as fantastic as it seems, that may well be the case. It is frightening to see this kind of behavior, and to know that it will be tolerated because these fanatics just happen to be Christians. If they were Muslims they would subjected to the long arm of the Patriot Act. So much for freedom of religion.
JD		March 25th, 2010 5:32 pm ET As a young African-American Republican, I feel that we have gone too far. Instead of doing what it will take to make our party the best, we settled for dragging our President and the Democrats through the mud. We have settled for instilling fear and lies in people, rather than talking about the real policies that we support and stand for. At this moment in my life, I'm very doubtful that I will remain a Republican. I really feel like I'm back in third grade again. JD in Arkansas
Meghan		March 25th, 2010 5:32 pm ET Absolutely!
shera		March 25th, 2010 5:33 pm ET Actually they are sore loosers.
Ian		March 25th, 2010 5:33 pm ET Jack, Am I living in America or third world country? The Republican have manage to drag America into an abyss of ignorance and stupidity. Yes, they are sore losers... The sad thing is the same Republicans you see running around today fighting against anything Health Care will one day grow old and at that point in their life, they will realize that the richest country in the history of man has nothing setup for them and they are discarded like garbage... I am 38 years old and my current retirement plan is to retire to another country that has a true universal healthcare system and actually care about their citizens and not just the almighty dollar. How pathetic is that Jack? Ian in Atlanta Ga
burnoutrye		March 25th, 2010 5:33 pm ET With the way they are thinking and acting, there is no doubt they are sore losers. They just simply cannot accept defeat especially from Pres. Obama.
J. M. Lopez		March 25th, 2010 5:33 pm ET The racial, homophobic slurs, along with the bricks that have been thrown this week all verify to me this is not about Health Care at all. It is a rabid, frightened, desperate reaction to having a non-white, somewhat liberal young person holding the highest political position in this land. They hide behind the ruse of being against Health Care Reform. Their actions falsify that claim. Maybe something these “conservative, far-right, religious” fellow Americans may recognize is what Jesus stated: “Out of the Heart's abundance, the mouth speaks”. Their actions & words show the reality that their hearts are full of hatred, and they simply can't hide that fact anymore.
Frank Lattimore		March 25th, 2010 5:33 pm ET They are more than sore losers. They are down right dangerous to the democracy of our country. Their purpose to to stop civilized debate. They are acting like a child taking the ball and going home after losing the game. They should be real Americans and start taking care of our Country and all of it people.
Mont Kraft		March 25th, 2010 5:33 pm ET worse than sore losers, they have not been gracious in victory or defeat, they scare me in that they feel entitled to power regardless of the democratic outcome. The vote means nothing to them and it appears with a little coaxing they would justify an illegal takeover of congress and the presidency. If this action was directed at them this would be high treason, against the opposition it is ethical and legal For the first time the Democrats have shown courage, and in comparison people like John Boehner appears just creepy..
beevee		March 25th, 2010 5:33 pm ET The way they behaved during the passage of healthcare reforms it is very clear that they are. I blame their leaders and other senior GOP members like John McCain for their behavior. None of them have shown any grace during the intense debate. They deserve to lose.
Neil		March 25th, 2010 5:33 pm ET I'm sure this has been mentioned already, but the "You Lie" was at a Joint Session of Congress, not the State of the Union. Come on, Jack
Joe, not a plumber		March 25th, 2010 5:46 pm ET The somewhat antiquated word, "boorish", comes to mind. I view the mess the Republican party has placed itself in as a natural consequence of embracing the politics of Karl Rove. The scorched-earth policy, zero-sum gamesmanship, and base consolidation works fine in the short run, when you're in the majority. When it comes to playing the long game, sometimes as the minority, it just forces a party to make the tent smaller and smaller. And when the tent gets smaller, there's much less room for moderates. At any rate, when the threats against Democratic leaders results in tragedy, I fully expect the party and its radio demagogues to wash their hands.
Joyce		March 25th, 2010 5:46 pm ET I agree that a large group of Republicans are a potential danger to this country. Their outright and sometimes veiled comments are structured to incite people to react. Unfortunately, those who react will go beyond a peaceful demonstration and hurt someone. Of course, the Republicans will deny any responsibility.
Tristan		March 25th, 2010 5:46 pm ET It's like they have no memory of being in control during the years when America went from surpluses as far as the eye can see to the economic collapse of 2008. And what did they do to dissenters then? Oh yea, called them traitors and terrorists – and crammed a $1,000,000,000 war down our throats.
Brenda		March 25th, 2010 5:46 pm ET The Republicans are the worst losers that I have ever seen. Their behavior reflects what's really in their heart. There is no way in the world I would ever vote for someone who would actually promote hate and violence the way they do. If they win the election in the future, i would actually be afraid for the country. They need to do their JOB (for the people) .
RICH		March 25th, 2010 5:46 pm ET Joan who begins with "I am disgusted...is completely right with one big exception. The liars should be called out each and every time by the press and commentators. What usually happens, when it happens, it is once and done. The liars continue to lie and bring their friends into the lies. One force, often overlooked is "Talk Radio" perfectally depicted by Joan as "Hate Radio". Thanks Joan.
Mohi		March 25th, 2010 5:46 pm ET I am getting really tier of Republicans. I really feel like they have reached their limit. These Republicans are big losers and it is sad to a whole new level. -Mohi
Bill Wright		March 25th, 2010 5:46 pm ET In an open democracy ... representatives listen to the people will... and conduct themselves in the highest ethical manner... Congress should be a place of integrity... not back room deals.... therefore in this case... We the American People are the Sorest of Losers.
ScaredForFuture		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET We are rapidly approaching a new age "Era of Good Feelings" when the main opposition party shoots itself in the foot repeatedly before fading into the sunset. I look forward to the time ahead where the outdated, unresponsive, hateful Republican party implodes leaving us with the one and only party of the people.
Ray Williams		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET Congrats Jack on finally calling out the Republicans for their self-serving and hypocritical behavior. It seems that if they don't get their way, their ideological rigidity impairs their capacity to compromise.
smokinggun		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET Funny how the republicans want to say the health care bill took away our freedoms. But it's the same party that was in control for 8 yrs and under the patriot act gave the President the power to cancel the constitution. Funny they don't want to talk about that one and no one seems to care. But have health care?
NonSocialist		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET Yes we are sore losers. You would be too if you had to pay for this joke of a bill. The difference between a Republican and a democrat is the following: A republican works hard to provide for his family. A democrat wants someone else to work hard to provide for HIS family. Gone are the days of work hard, save a little and maybe retire. Did anyone else notice Congress is excluded from exchange? Lord knows wouldn't want them to pay a nickle.
MOSEANIA from Chicago		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET I think they are because they seem to have lost all sense of reality and their moral compass. The ten commandment says thou shall not bare false witness and the New Testament states that a God hates a liar. The republicans are guilty of both and they claim to have a monopoly on religion. They gone bust the bottom out of hell if they don't repent and get saved again.
Confused about Congress		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET Both sides have lost this battle. Dems and Repubs are to blame for the current cynicism in our country. When Bush was in office it was about how evil he was and now with Obama it's he's a socialist. Both sides are to blame here with the Republicans now taking center stage.
bill		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET No, they're not sore losers. When a ridiculous bill is submitted, bribed into law and forced down the throats of an unapproving american public, the republicans stand up and fight for the people. They know who they represent.
jeff- Orange county , California		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET I'm an independent and from my perch the republicans have completely ruined their whole image by their actions. Yes they seem like sore losers. They are acting like extremists with no message of a better plan. They come off as nerdy, whiney and extremeist, especially when holding the banners from the second story of the house the other day to help fire up the crowd below. Who's great idea was that ? My image of them is not steering a steady course but a very historonic one. When is a stable , sensible Republican talking head going to pop up on the radar?
David Sapp		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET It goes well beyond being a sore loser. Republicans have stoked the vitriol in this health care debate and are encouraging and seeking revenge. That's more than being a sore loser - it's uncivil and very dangerous.
edem atitso		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET they are sore losers. no wander they are fueling the ongoing violent remarks.
J		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET There was no debate; therefore, there is no loser. This was a partisan effort involving absolutely no dialogue.
Marsha P Simpkins		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET Yes, apparently they are. I feel ostricized from my friends who are Republlicans as if they are the enemy. Once, this feeling was every 4 years, now it seems ads on TV are anti-Obama. We are all Americans and should act like it!
iana quesnell		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET Sore losers indeed...Thank God or whom ever Palin (for example) did not get her hands on our White House last year...who knows where we'd be now....brrrrr...I shudder to think!
Rog er Beaton		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET I pray that one day, soon, that you and others will find the backbone to be truthful about why the nation is in trouble. In a word-illegal immigrant. Illega immigrants such as Obama's aunt are collecting on SSI aanad draining the Social Security Fund. In every phase of American social structure the illegal immigrant exerts a financial drain on Americans.Deny soocial services to the illegalimmigrant and they will return home in droves.
Mark		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET Yes they are sore losers. I am surprised at how much anger there is though, the bill does some good things and some not so good things, but at least it is a start. Republicans offered no input, offered no help and then starting complaining. If they wanted to complain they should have tried to work with the Democrats on this bill. It sure appears to be pure politics, they do not want Obama to succeed, sad really
Den from Wisconsin		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET What ever gave you the idea that Republican's are sore losers, just look back to 2006. John McCain couldn't accept the fact he lost, he's still trying to tell the President what to do. Fact of the matter is they not only lie about everything but they themselves begin to believe the rhetric.
Francisco		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET We didnt hear the Democrats spew such hatred during the Bush years when Congress essentially had every spending bill passed unitl the partial abortion vote. Republicans are hypocrites here, are spewing reckless hatred and should have more respect for themselves. The remind me of cry babies waaaaaaa
Laurie, New Jersey		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET The Republicans cannot stand to see Obama have a victory. They care more for their party than the American people. I'm disgusted and I'm not even a Democrat.
Ted Briggs		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET Finally, someone in the press is calling their behavior into question. It has become obvious to me over the past 15 months or so that Republicans are much better at acting angry and are willing to say anything insulting or innacurate merely to deceive the public and to make others look bad. The party of the angry white man shows its true colors...lacking integrity and lacking ideas as they obstruct progress on critical issues that matter to the people.
Ralph Spyer		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET What we have here are Winner and Winers
Kevin		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET Apparently no one here remembers the attitudes of those that left the white house to Bush nine years ago. Tell me how mature it was to pull the 'W' off of every keyboard in the place.
Pat		March 25th, 2010 5:47 pm ET They ran this country for 8 years using fear and lies. They want to get back in charge by using fear and lies. They want to block anything the Democrats are trying to do good or bad. They only care about themselves and their big corporate campaign contributors not the American people.
Juan Hernandez		March 25th, 2010 5:48 pm ET The Republicans are more than just so loser. They are now the minority party in Congress, but a true opposition party that we see in other countries. Forget civility and rule or law, the Opposition always threatens civil unrest and has different wings to put pressure on the current government, including an armed wing(NRA) Republicans are turning us into a third work county!
Isak		March 25th, 2010 5:48 pm ET Since Democrats took the White House, radio talk shows try to smeer and fear Americans with Obama's social agenda. Now everything is coming back on Republicans and Tea Party losers, and one thing for sure is that Americans don't like losers!
Judy		March 25th, 2010 5:48 pm ET This has gone way beyond just being sore losers. This is a vendetta – a blood feud. These are acts of getting revenge – pure and simple. These people are out for blood – and one day I fear they may have their way. When someone cuts your gas main in an attempt to blow up your home and whoever is in it, we're talking terrorism here. The way things are right now, it's not the foreign terrorists you need to worry about – it's the Republican operatives, and until there is some form of accountability this will not end. The Republicans will wait for the Democrats to finally retaliate, and when they can't take it any longer they will retaliate, and then watch the fur fly. Trouble is it will all be blamed on the Dems. but I'm not sure they will be able to take this much longer.
Kathy		March 25th, 2010 5:48 pm ET It saddens me to say that the Republican's are not only sore losers, but they are also behaving like a bully and a thug. They are shouting and screaming hateful and negative words like communism, socialist, baby killer, liar, wipe out and destroy Democrats. Their actions have incited fear and has encouraged some of their followers to spit, yell racial slurs, throw bricks and threaten physical violence to anyone who opposes their point of view. It seems to me that they are displaying their true colors by their actions. They wanted President Obama to fail at any cost. I, for one, am proud that I have a President who is courageous and works unfailingly to provide health care to so many and additional benefits to existing policies for all.
Larry Day, Wisconsin		March 25th, 2010 5:48 pm ET So no matter how much in debt we are, let's keep passing legislation to spend more. By the way, if you actually read the Health Care bill there are many tax increases for all Americans buried in it. Like Flex spending is capped at $2500 no matter how many kids you have and they are stopping many over the counter items in Flex spending. All these changes get us all to pay more taxes. Truth is you can't trust either sside to tell the truth.