by Mike Memoli
Eager to go back on offense after weeks of scrutiny for its response to the Gulf oil spill, the White House has offered a quick strike against Rep. Joe Barton (R), who called the deal with BP a "shakedown."
"What is shameful is that Joe Barton seems to have more concern for big corporations that caused this disaster than the fishermen, small business owners and communities whose lives have been devastated by the destruction," press secretary Robert Gibbs said in a statement. "Congressman Barton may think that a fund to compensate these Americans is a 'tragedy', but most Americans know that the real tragedy is what the men and women of the Gulf Coast are going through right now. Members from both parties should repudiate his comments."
Today's subcommittee hearing has taken a brief recess to allow members to vote. BP CEO Tony Hayward has just offered his opening statement, and will face questions when the members return after noon.
UPDATE: During an appearance at the daily press briefing to promote the Recovery Act, Vice President Biden was asked for his reaction to Barton comments. He called them "incredibly sensitive, incredibly out of touch." "There's no shakedown," he said. "It's insisting on responsible conduct and a responsible response to something that they caused." If that wasn't enough, he added "outrageous" and "astounding" to the list.
Gibbs later said Republicans should consider whether Barton should remain as ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. And he shared President Obama's reaction upon briefing him about the remarks, saying, "He shook his head and couldn't understand why anybody would say that."
Comments
I knew it wouldn't be long before the Big Oil loving Republicans started defending BP
Posted by: former Republican | June 17, 2010 12:15 PM
Shinning a light on Greedy Oil Party is the best cure.
John Boehner last week wanted the American tax payers to be partly responsible for the BP oil gush. Then he back peddles when challenged.
Fringe whackjob Michelle Bachmann, said it was fleecing of BP, the 20B. What about the "little people" Michelle Bachmann?
Palin, Beck, Rush and many of them will not be able to contain their zeal of constantly wanting the tax payers to foot the bill for big oil. They talk of deficit spending but want tax payers to bail out another big company. And these are the people who call themselves patriots and country first?
And then the right claims that President Obama, is unAmerican? Twisted beyond logic.
Posted by: Timothy Carlson | June 17, 2010 12:30 PM
Republican Joe Barton needs to join his fellow wingnuts (John Boehner and Michelle Bachmann) and BP in issuing an immediate and sincere apology to the American people. Is this the time for Republicans to defend corporate interests when the vast majority of people hold overwhelmingly negative opinions about the role of British Petroleum in this environmental disaster?
Some of these Republican morons have "impeccable" political timing.
Posted by: Ric39 | June 17, 2010 12:56 PM
"What is shameful is that Joe Barton seems to have more concern for big corporations..."
Really? Is that what he said? No, he never said BP had done nothing wrong. He was defending the rule of law. That's what America used to be - a country governed by law that is applied equally to all. What has happened to BP is extortion.
Barton is the only one in this picture doing his job.
Posted by: Kathy | June 17, 2010 1:42 PM
I have to agree with Congressman Barton, I have not heard of one instance where BP has refused to accept responsibility for the accident in the Gulf. Nor have I read or heard that they were not going to pony up the monies to repair the damage. This whole thing is nothing but a dog and pony to show the forcefulness of Nobama. Because the overall opinion of Nobama is that he's a weak and toothless tiger. So much for the vast experience he has brought to the Presidency, as a former community organizer.
Posted by: Paul | June 17, 2010 1:53 PM
I have a cure for all the oil problems in this country. All you dummiecrats, since you hate oil so much, get off the roads, park your cars, and walk. That way, the rest of us who actually want to work for a living can get to our jobs.
Posted by: Dum Fitzgerald | June 17, 2010 1:59 PM
I think it's wonderful that the White House's favorite microphone, The Swamp, printed this Democratic "rebuttal" to what the Republican Congressman said.
But don't you wish that when The Swamp prints a Democratic Party charge, they would print the Republican rebuttal?
You know, equal time????
Posted by: Bruce | June 17, 2010 3:00 PM
The operative word is when they say they will "pay for all LEGITIMATE costs". BP was going to decide what is is legitimate or not, that was the problem. That is why a separate entity is needed in this case in order to make sure people get immediate payment for their losses. Do I think there'll be some people who will try and take advantage? Of course there will be but those thousands who can't work really need the help.
C-SPAN has lots of video about this spill and the effects it is having on the residents. I suggest people take a look at their footage as it is unbiased because they don't rely on commercials/sponsors for their funding.
Posted by: lochnessmonster | June 17, 2010 3:31 PM