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Eric Massa: He’s Had Enough!

By Pat Racimora on March 10, 2010 at 3:00 AM in Current Affairs

* Bumped Up *

When I heard about how the Democrats are treating Eric Massa for sticking to his guns rather than falling in line with Democratic Party orders, I thought about Eric’s old boss, General Wesley Clark, and and what General Barry McCaffery once wrote about him. “Wes was always looked on as too well-educated, too wired, too good-looking. He’s not a simple crunch soldier.” Eric isn’t a simple crunch Democrat—he thinks for himself. That can no longer to be tolerated.

I am watching his resignation from Congress play out with great sadness.

I knew Eric.

I was active* in both of his campaigns. He has a fresh honesty about him. I knew he had battled cancer. I knew he could swear like the sailor he used to be and that he had a low crap tolerance. I knew he was not perfect. Yet his directness and hopes for the future of our country were healthy and persuasive. He was a man of the people.

I never thought I would tell this story in public, but I know for a fact that the recent clash with Rahm Emanuel was not the first. I actually witnessed such a confrontation several years ago at a meeting in Washington DC arranged by General Clark. Emanuel was giving a talk to the 40 or so of us in the meeting room, and so inappropriately attacked Erick by denigrating the way he was running his campaign. It was shocking and embarrassing, especially because Eric was right there in the room. But it’s not Rahm’s style to pull someone aside to speak privately about any concerns. No sadistic fun in that. Well, they went at it in the hotel lobby. And let me tell you that Eric may be the only human being who can indeed hold his own with Emanuel. If it were now only a two-man fight, I’d put my money on Eric.

Finally, there is an easy and cheap way to destroy the credibility and reputation of another human being. You just have to be evil enough to be willing to do it. First you find something unflattering, make a big deal out of it, gather up your allies, and start suggesting that your prey is both ridiculous and mentally unstable. We are seeing that play out now. It’s ugly theater, yet we are all watching as those in power reveal the tactics they will use to destroy any dissidents standing in their path.

*Eric would know me only by my “day job” name.

  • Clara

    Thank you for writing this story in support of Eric.  You described the shocking blow up by Emanuel just as I recall.  Most who have watched Emanuel in various settings over the years get the sense he ‘has an edge’.  Well, I can confirm that edge is much more evident in person in a setting he feels comfortable going at it. 

    It’s very sad to see someone I’ve respected and supported being skewered as he is.  I want the truth to be out there so he can get on with a good life and good health with his family. 

  • Hank

    Massa showed an XRay on Glenn Beck of a tumor.  I saw a report that he had Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  I thought NH Lymphoma was a blood cancer.  Which is it?

  • Hank

    OT:
    So pelosi says that they need to pass healthcare reform bill so that we can see what’s in it.  WTF!!

  • Stan Davis

    I just finished the interview with Glenn Beck.  The saddest thing I heard was that Eric has lost the fight in him.  Eric, a friend, is nothing if not a fighter.

    Stan Davis
    Lakewood, CO

  • carol haka

    I just read a comment on pumapac that one of the “alledged complaintants” donated $3700 ($1200 over limit) from Canada to puke face Obama.

    >:o

  • carol haka

    Now, Now.  When it’s inevitable just sit back and enjoy it……

    >:o

  • Diana L. C.

    I don’t usually watch Beck unless he’s covering a topic I’m interested in.  I was disappointed in the show.  Beck seemed to want something out of Massa and could not get it from him, so nothing Massa said made him happy.

    I am so sick of the poitical bullying and name calling.  I believe Rahm Emanuel is a bullying jerk.  I’ve heard enough over the years about him in different stories, so I do believe Massa’s statements.

    It’s very sad to me that we are losing a man of principle in Congress.

    Massa’s comments on the show about campaign finance reform are spot on (and I’ll add that we also need election reform), but not something that could save the situation right now.

    I am older, so I remember Rat Schroeder’s pulling out of the presidential campaign over this issue.  She didn’t want to have to answer to all the people she would have to court in order to raise the money necessary to run.  They made fun of her because of her tears.

    We should all be weeping buckets of tears now.  I’m sure the situation is worse than it was back than.  Look what we have in Obummer and his fraudulent campaign finances, the mountains of money wasted on him and his Chicago friends that could have been spent elsewhere.

    I believe now that no matter what the people say, we will be saddled with this stupid healthcare bill.  I guess we just have to let those youngsters who voted for him deal with it.  I’m digging in and protecting me and mine as much as I can for the coming years the best ways I can.

  • Mike Pridmore

    Eric is a friend.  I agree with Stan.

  • carol haka

    I’m going to believe Massa for now – I know Obama and his creepy creep criminals.

    O/T Justice Roberts is not happy with the attack by Obama at the SOU.

    Obama does know how to make friends, doesn’t he ……….

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/09/john-roberts-scene-at-oba_n_492444.html

    >:o

  • Peggy Sue

    Thanks for the additional backstory on your association with Massa, Pat.  I watched him on Glenn Beck this afternoon.  Nothing new was revealed, but I thought Massa came off as a credible interview subject.  But the fact that Massa said nothing particularly inflammatory, offered few specifics beyond refuting the WH’s denial of the shower incident and provided a timeline of what he said and when he said it makes the Big Gun attack on Massa’s credibility all the more mystifying. 

    Shortly before the broadcast, I heard a new allegation: that Massa had groped three aides.  Where the heck did that come from and why did the Dems feel it necessary to go on the offensive?  Is this still all about the healthcare bill, getting it passed at any cost?  Or something else?

    Massa spoke to the groping attack, a 50th birthday party that got out of hand and ended in a wrestling tussle between four men. Sounded believable.  But that’s not the version that’s been circulated.

    I understand Eric Massa is scheduled for another interview on the Larry King show.  I suspect he has no explosive information but simply wants to set his own story straight.

    I wish him well.  But still the question remains: why the need to destroy a man’s personal reputation if the only thing he has to say is the system is broken?  Anyone paying attention knows that.  I don’t get it. 

  • Stan

    Yeah, after Glenn Beck he seems like a real, uh, good guy. Can’t wait to see those text messages.

  • Clara

    I can’t recall specifics about his first cancer diagnosis but I’m sure Pat can remember.  The original diagnosis was either incorrect or resolved in an unexpected manner.  When he was in Belgium as an aide to Gen. Clark, then SACEUR, he first received the grim news.  It was with the immediate help of Wes and Gert Clark that Eric and his wife returned to the US for treatment.  I hope Pat will clear up this foggy part of my memory.

  • Tricia

    His vote was needed for the health care bill they want to cram down our throats.  He wasn’t going to comply,  That was the seek and destroy call.

  • Cindy

    Pat—Thank you for your story. I’m sorry for your friend Erick, and I have nothing but disdain for Rahm; but, I am grateful you’re posting this for us, because it is so personal for you. And that human element gives us, your readers, such a better perspective.

  • Clara

    Listen to what Eric is saying.  That health care vote comes AT AT COST.  They will do anything to protect what they see as the key to Obama’s legacy and reelection.  That is priceless so if you’re in the way, you’re going to get flattened.

  • Clara

    Listen to what Eric is saying.  That health care vote comes AT ANY COST.  They will do anything to protect what they see as the key to Obama’s legacy and reelection.  That is priceless so if you’re in the way, you’re going to get flattened.

  • Bronwyn

    Here’s something that’s been bugging me about this story:  Everyone, both Democrats and Republicans as well as the MSM, has been attacking Massa for changing his reasons for resigning.

    They’ve all cited the changes:  his declaration last week that he was fighting cancer, and then over the weekend coming out with the stories about Emanuel and the hardball pressures placed on him because he didn’t vote for Obama’s cap & trade and health care bills.

    Since he was in the military for 24 years, where resignations are conducted with a great deal of decorum and dirty laundry isn’t aired, my guess is that when he first came to the decision to resign, he decided to give non-controversial reasons, his health situation and wishing to protect his family from a prolonged investigation.  

    Then over the weekend as he fumed about what had really happened — from Emanuel’s hardball pressure to Steny Hoyer’s informing the press about the ethic investigation — his anger overcame him and he “let ‘er rip.”  If that’s the scenario, he didn’t change his story.  He simply revealed the real reasons he resigned.

    Just a thought.  I don’t know what really happened.  I have no clue if Massa is indeed guilty of groping his male aides (which was leaked to the Washington Post this afternoon), etc.  

    But I do question everyone’s assumption that he changed his story and reasons for resigning because, typically, people don’t get into the REAL reasons they are leaving, at least at first.  

    I.e., I don’t think the change in his statements mean that he is changing his story or making up something new, which makes him less credible.  It’s more likely he got genuinely pissed off and said what he really thought.

  • donjo

    Watched Beck give about the lousiest impersonations of an interviewer possible. And right wingers are swooning over this clown? When Eric wouldn’t answer the way he was expected to, Beck had nothing to say, except shake his head.

    Obviously Beck couldn’t begin to fathom a man that had principles beyond making a buck. They don’t exist in his world.

    Eric is a firecracker that won’t back down from any man, especially the likes of Rahm. And with his early resignation he chose to do things his own way.  People can argue with that, but they’re not him. The lies and hate spewed out on the internet are a good example of why he isn’t sticking around.

    Beck was expecting Eric to explode some bombshell that would bring down the WH and that monster, Rahm. Didn’t happen and Eric stuck to his calm and cool manner. Good for him. Well done, Eric.

    BTW, I’ve met Eric several times and know several people who know him well.  He’s a good guy that certainly doesn’t deserve this shitstorm.  I wish that he would have stuck around long enough to vote AGAINST this health insurance “reform” bill. 

    I also wish him a long, happy and healthy life.

  • Pat Racimora

    I think you may be correct, Brownwyn.  Eric was the good soldier at first and fell on his sword.  Then he got in touch with his disgust and decided that even though he kicked himself out of the cave, he was willing to fight back—for a while.  He claims that his Larry King Live interview will be his last (coming up shortly as I write).  We shall see.  He looked tired on Glen Beck.

    I frankly will be very surprised if any physical sexual harassment actually took place.  I have military guys in my friend circle and family, and they often push each other around (they are also laughing and you can tell it’s just for fun), especially after a few beers.  I suppose an outside could misinterpret such activity, but I still believe that any such charges are politically motivated.

  • AnnieCarmel

    I agree.  It’s more than reasonable that the events unfolded just as he represented them.  As always, people want it to be one or the other when if fact it’s usually all of the above.

    I watched Beck (usually do) and I found myself annoyed at his constant jabbing at Representative Massa to give him a big scoop.  He said plenty.  The bullying by both party and constituents is enough to make anyone sick.  I sent money to Scott Brown because he convinced me he’d be his own man and honest…along with the promise not to go along with the HC bill as it stands.  He doesn’t have to explain every vote…he voted for the jobs bill I had to agree as I don’t think we can afford to hang the long time unemployed out to dry…I would be very upset if he came out for an amnesty bill though.

  • trixta

    BO is setting an example with Massa to keep other Dems in line.

  • oowawa

    Yes, Diana, your description of the Beck interview is correct.  It was a textbook illustration of HOW NOT to conduct an interview.  Beck’s questions were too general and he jumped around, almost in panic, knowing that he had his finger on potential news, but he did not know how to ask the specific questions that would draw Massa out.  Obviously, interviews are not Beck’s forte, and as the show went on, he got increasingly frustrated as he realized he was blowing it.

  • FLDemFem

    You are so right about military guys and how they play around like kids sometimes. I remember the first time I saw the Embassy Marines goofing off out of uniform. They were Nam vets with masses of medals on their chests, the least of which was the Bronze Star, but take off the uniform and they acted like high school kids on spring break. Touch football turned into tackle football when they played, and they were always slapping each other on the butt, etc. I was shocked, I didn’t think Marines acted like that..LOL. I had only seen them in their dress blues at the Embassy front desk, never off duty. I asked my dad about it, he had been in the Army Air Corps during WWII, and he said that soldiers were boys under the uniform, and when the uniforms came off, they acted like what they were, boys having fun. So that explained it perfectly for me, I knew about boys and how goofy they got when they were having fun.

    I think you are right about Massa and the Dems, they are grabbing at straws to get rid of him because he won’t cave in to their demands which contravene his constituents wishes. He knows why he is there, and it’s not to kiss Pelosi’s ass, it’s to represent the people who elected him. Too bad the rest of the Dems don’t understand that.

  • sowsear

    That is so unbelievable that she could actually say such nonsense. Buy my little surprise prize bag and you will be lucky to see what it is. Otherwise, You won’t know nutin.
    That line came from a very long speech she gave to some congressional group. I’ll have to look for the link.

  • sowsear

    So what’s new? Tell the FEC, quick!

  • sowsear

    Don’t give up.
    The White House: (202) 456-1414
    The Capitol Switchboard:  (202) 224-3121
    Contact Your Elected Officials: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/ Elected.shtml
    Fax Free Website:  http://faxzero.com
    Write Your Representative:  https://writerep.house.gov/ writerep/welcome.shtml
    TweetCongress.org: http://tweetcongress.org/ and

  • oowawa

    The part of the Beck interview that struck me the most is when Massa explained how tired he was, and how he just didn’t have the energy to continue battling the overwhelming forces of the federal government arrayed against him.  Beck reproached him for not acting as a crusader who would battle until the very end.  Sometimes you just get too tired; you can stand up while the tide rolls over you, but you know that you can’t stop it.  The best you can do is give it the finger, just before it hits.

  • don x

    Campbell Brown and others on CNN are giving more details of what allegedly happened with his staff.  Guess we need to watch for what is coming out before making jucgments.  I did not know Eric, and I am not a detractor of his.

  • Yttik

    I watched it too. Hearing he had lost his ability to fight really was painful to listen to. On the bright side, he is still fighting, LOL. I had to laugh because for a guy who’s lost his ability to fight, he sure is on the war path.

    I think what he meant was that he’s lost his ability to play the game anymore, to work within the system and congress.

  • dst

       I  still have heard no explanation of why, if he is so against the health bill now, I think I heard him say that it will be destructive to the US economy, though he 1st voted No” because the public option was not there, then for either reason why not just stick out the nine days and vote “No”? Could this be Axelrod theater, diversion, association-The man is crazy, he’s against health care, everyone against health care is thus crazy and they don’t get the “No” vote. Then what’s the problem, he not running so why not just vote “Yes”. Working for the Repubs? If so a “No vote would  seem to be part of the deal. Or maybe a “Book” is coming. its hard to deny the man’s name recognition has been boosted a bit over the last 36 hours. Oh well everyone else is writing books so why not.

  • dst

       I  still have heard no explanation of why if he is so against the health bill now, I think I heard him say that it will be destructive to the US economy, though he 1st voted “No” because the public option was not there, then for either reason why not just stick out the nine days and vote “No”? Could this be Axelrod theater, diversion, association-The man is crazy, he’s against health care, everyone against health care is thus crazy and they don’t get the “No” vote. Then what’s the problem, he not running so why not just vote yes. Working for the Repubs? If so a “No” vote would  seem to be part of the deal. Or maybe a “Book” is coming. its hard to deny the man’s name recognition has been boosted a bit over the last 36 hours. Oh well everyone else is writing books so why not.

  • sowsear
  • EllenD

    I supported Eric Massa too. The only candidate other than Hillary.
    I am disgusted that these clowns are destroying another fine congressman. You can’t find the type of person Eric Massa is these days – honest and straightforward. If I hadn’t already left the Dems over Hillary, this would push me out.

  • Yttik

    I know people like Beck because he’s daring to say things that nobody else is saying, but Glenn Beck has his own issues and he’s always one step away from the edge of the cliff personally.

  • sowsear

    That is so unbelievable that she could actually say such nonsense. Buy my little surprise prize bag and you will be lucky to see what it is. Otherwise, You won’t know nutin. 
    That line came from a very long speech she gave to some group. I’ll have to look for the link.

  • Stan Davis

    I’ll take whatever is behind door #2.

    Stan Davis
    Lakewood, CO

  • sarainitaly

    I believe him about the Rahm encounter. But I think he did himself a big disservice when he backpedaled on Beck. If it is true that he was being forced out, he was either threatened again to backtrack, or ?? But it is hard to know what to think now that he took a lot of it back.

    It makes him look weak, and the allegations stronger. I feel bad if he is innocent and being bullied and set up. But he shouldn’t have backtracked. I think that hurt his credibility.

  • Pat Racimora

    Oowawa–priceless, as usual!

  • oowawa

    Devastating analogy, carol haka . . .

  • Pat Racimora

    I wasn’t expecting him to backpedal either.  I am sure that the bad press was hurtful, and I did not see that “fight” that Eric has in him when he’s feeling good.

    Glen was hoping for more of the radio show language, and was disappointed that he didn’t get it–and acted like an ass as well.

    It’s true as oowawa said above–sometimes when you know it’s over, you just give your enemy the finger and run like hell.

  • Docelder

    When it’s inevitable just sit back and enjoy it – Reminds me of Clayton Williams when he ran against Ann Richards for Governot of Texas. That misplaced one liner cost him the election. Clayton Williams was up and he had some really good commercials talking about gang members busting rocks in labor camps etc. but then he told that joke and withing days there were bumper stickers sayng… vote for the drunk, it’s important. He lost big in the end.

  • Onofre’s arm

    Geez oowawa, I used to OWN that T-shirt, (35 years ago).

  • Steve_in_KC

    Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.  — Freud

  • sowsear

    Who know what else they threatened him with…
    (And for those of you who are in TN or planning to retreat there, there’s news
    http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_coal_ash_disposal)

  • sowsear

    I hope that isn’t the finger that was in the dike…

  • Stan Davis

    I attest to Pat’s story of the earlier Emmanuel-Massa confrontation, since I was there, too.

    It was in November 2005 in Washington.  Emmanuel was then the DCCC chair, and Gen. Clark had invited him to give the attendees, all veterans of the Draft Clark/Clark for President movement, a rundown on the 2006 congressional races.  Emmanuel didn’t mention Massa’s race, so someone in the audience inquired about it.  Emmanuel talked about what a terrible candidate Massa was and how bad his campaign was.  Eric was standing in the door of the room watching and listening throughout the ordeal.

    After the meeting or at a recess, my next image is Eric’s face about three inches from Emmanuel’s with Eric’s right index finger poking Emmanuel in the chest.  The Commander was one pissed off former sailor.  In the 60s we used to call such tête-à-têtes a “meaningful dialogue.”

    Then Massa and Gen. Clark spent about an hour in a sideroom in a private conversation.

    Stan Davis
    Lakewood, CO

  • sowsear

    Who knows what else they threatened him with… 
    (And for those of you who are in TN or planning to retreat there, there’s news 
    http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_coal_ash_disposal)

  • sowsear
  • oowawa

    LOL Onofre–I had the poster on the wall way back when I was young and defiant . . .

  • oowawa

    Yes Yttik–I get that impression . . .

  • guest

    Eric Massa is a nut. Nobody told him to resign, he did that on his own based on his own behaviour, which he 100% admitted on Beck. He also did not blame the whitehouse. Go watch the nutty Beck interview. That guy was embarassing. Beck and the Republicans were the losers on this, if they were hoping to embarass the adminstration with the Beck interview. Did not happen!

  • I’m a Linda too

    Leukemia is blood cancer. Lymphoma is a general cancer that develops in the lymphatic system-which runs through your body.

    Unlike breast cancer that starts in the breast, but then if later stage, spreads to the lymph glands.  Just like you can have breast cancer in your liver.

    Let’s hope his is still gone and it was just the cold that hurt his scar tissue.  

  • I’m a Linda too

    And what is so AMAZING, is that the WH is expending all this effort to cover for RahmBO and claim these facts stated are untrue.

    As if anyone with a brain and has been involved in politics does not know Rahm and what he does do….let alone what he therefore is capable of.

    go ahead Obama.  Lets show the American people how you do and say anything and that lying to protect even pawn scum like RahmBO  is no problem for you and the NEW KIND OF POLITICS-the Chicago Way, that you brought to DC.

  • oowawa

    Very evocative ‘toon, Pat.  There are many unidentified creatures lurking in “The Democrat’s Hell Hole,” all concealed by the darkness of the O administration.  There’s your out-in-the-open bright transparency!  Massa was “outed,” or he exited of his own volition, and now he is standing in the light and is more than a pair of eyes.  He is railing against the darkness from which he emerged, and who knows what horrible monster might come forth to devour him?  A naked Rahm?  A Rahm in ballet tights?  The great Pelosi Grin that floats in space like the Cheshire Cat and can devour a little person with one bite?  We need to clean out that cave and seal it up.

  • DeeLee

    If there’s anybody out there that doesn’t believe the Dems are capable of such acts, call me about some real estate thats for sale.

    To add to this, Massa’s seat is in NY state. When he resigns, the governor of NY can assign an interim representitive (who could possibly vote against the HC bill). Who’s the governor of NY state? DAVID PATERSON. Who’s been calling for Paterson to resign? The WHITE HOUSE! Does anybody see a pattern here or am I just a crazy conspiicy theorist?

  • oowawa

    Thanks for the report, Stan.  Between you and Pat, I think we’re getting some original first-hand POV’s on this situation.  Good stuff!

  • sowsear

    Here’s one of those monsters

  • Peggy Sue

    I’m listening to Larry King now and the “groping” comment has come up.  What he said on Beck and what he just said to King is being questioned.  I suspected it would be.  But I don’t take this as an inconsistency. 

    My impression of Massa [don't know the man personally] is the man is not a professional politician, he’s not thinking ten miles ahead of himself and/or deliberately using doublespeak.  He’s not a lawyer, so he’s not carefully parsing his words. He’s just telling it straight up to the best of his ability. 

    All this hoopla does appear to be about his clear rejection of the current healthcare bill and opposition to several WH-driven bills in the past.

    Payback, Chicago style.  You don’t play along, you get a slice and dice session.

    Too bad he’s leaving.

    OMG, King just asked Massa if he’s gay.  Disgraceful.

    Massa’s final comment is a question to all Democratic members: Why has the party become exactly what it said it hated?

    Good question, Mr. Massa.  Good health, too.

  • donjo

    Watching Larry King.  What a tool this Marc Hill is.  I wonder if this professional democratic apologist has the balls to call Eric a liar to his face.

  • Breeze

    I do believe that he was bullied and threatened on his No vote for Healthcare.

    Watching Cavuto yesterday one of the Democrat speakers stated that this happens all the time and this is a huge thing for Obama and yes, they wil do anything to get it passed.

  • Solara 9

    There you go–”Eric is a nut.”  What are we supposed to draw about the truth from that?  It’s just a slur.  That doesn’t say much for you.

    The man is under intense pressure and stress, and Beck was trying to get him to do more than he wanted to do.

    He has admitted that what he violated his own standards.  Geesh–how much blood do you need to feel like a satiated vampire?

  • donjo

    About the gay question and groping: Eric neatly put Larry in his place.  Maybe he should have asked Larry if HE was gay. Frankly, who cares?  It’s obvious some of these people were never involved in any rough horse play among groups of slightly inebriated men – particularly  military guys. It sometimes evolves into grabbing somebody by the nuts and squeezing. I’ve seen people lifted off the floor by their scrotum. Ha, ha.  It hurts like hell and has nothing to do with sexual relations, believe me, that is the fartherest thing from your mind.

    Eric should have explained that better.

  • Tricia

    I heard that Joe Sestak has just claimed that the WH called and offered him a job if he would withdraw from running against Arlen “I-was-a- Republican-Before-I-Realized-I-Couldn’t-Win-Another-Term? Specter.”  This is how they play the game, and with our tax dollars. 

  • Cindy

    Also, as far as his backpedaling, I would not rule out anonymous death threats.  You can bet there have been some of those, and probably directed at his family. ACORN  lives.

  • sowsear

    This may happen all of the time…la la la, merrily skipping along into the abyss.  But when oh when are we going to find, not one, but a majority in Washington who will not take the status quo anymore? We need relief soon.

  • Bronwyn

    Pat, I hope your friend Eric gets to read some of the comments in this thread.  I think they’d make him feel good since he’s taken quite a beating in the media, even on Fox News (Shepard Smith et al. were mocking him).

  • don x

    So perhaps IF Rahm poked Massa in the chest in the shower, was this tit-for-tat (sic) for Massa poking him in the chest a few years earlier?  Obviously, there is no love lost between these two.

    Another thought, by resigning, Massa escaped an ethics committee probe where witnesses could be called, at which time things could get rough for him. Since he is such a fighter, I am wondering why he wouldn’t go through with the ethics probe/hearing to clear himself.  Now, by leaving, he has left himself open to people questioning what would have come out if he had stayed and faced the music. 

    Good guy that he may be, I am not sure he is playing the game in his own best interests by resigning.

  • sowsear

    Yes, BO begs, Save my presidency. Pass the musturd.

  • guest

    Joe has been saying that for a few days now. It was on meme at least a week ago.

  • Bronwyn

    Then there’s that he comes from a solidly Republican district and was probably representing the views of his constituents.  

  • Bronwyn

    Pat, you’d mentioned exhaustion. And didn’t he say he’d been working 100+ hour weeks and never saw his family?  He looks like someone who’s been under incredible stress and suffering from lack of sleep.  And perhaps he doesn’t feel well.

  • sowsear

    Most men lead lives of quiet desperation (Thoreau)

  • carol haka

    Massa just said they all lived together for years because it was too expensive to live separately in Washington.

    If these incidents of groping took place, wouldn’t you think Massa would have had the hell beat out of him at some point?  Most males wouldn’t allow that kind of behavior without some kind of physical challenge.

    OT – And in case you haven’t heard, the reports are BO is going to stick the “takeover of the student loan” into the HC Bill when he can get away with it.

    >:o

  • sowsear

    We know Rahm’s reputation….and Wes Clark’s… and by inference what Massa’s is.

  • TeakWoodKite

    Pat, with all this propaganda being thrown out there against Mr. Massa, it was being spun that he “chickened out” and wouldn’t “fight”.

    He is fighting. For his Life. His cancer demands more attention of him than his ability to discharge his responsibilities of the office. If I was a constituent of his he would have my respect for calling it how he saw it.

    enter that cave at your own risk.

  • Clara

    He is opposed to passing this health care bill by reconciliation.  He feels the hard feelings that will be generated will contribute to further dividing our country. 

  • Peggy Sue

    He actually answered that, Don.  He said he simply doesn’t have sufficient life energy to continue the fight with the Dem leadership, his opposition to healthcare [which he believes will be a catastrophe], and then battle cancer at the same time.  He said whatever time he may or may not have left is owed to his family. He also mentioned he doesn’t have the money to mount a defense to ridiculous, ginned-up charges.

    He stated the King interview would be the last public appearance.  He’s ready to go home and live out the rest of his life.  In private.     

  • Stan Davis

    Good points, Peggy Sue.

    My impression of Massa [don't know the man personally] is the man is not a professional politician, he’s not thinking ten miles ahead of himself and/or deliberately using doublespeak.  He’s not a lawyer, so he’s not carefully parsing his words. He’s just telling it straight up to the best of his ability.

    I served 2 1/2 years as a Naval officer.  My experience is that this is absolutely true.  The CO types call a spade a spade, and if necessary they call it a fucking shovel.

    Stan Davis
    Lakewood, CO

  • Clara

    Barack and the Chicago thugs who direct his actions have always operated by eliminating the competition.  Get rid of the candidate by hook or crook and ensure a smooth ride in on the wave.  Can’t beat em, then whack ‘em.

  • AC

    Thoreau the bums out!

  • Clara

    He addressed both your questions about why he didn’t stay.  Primarily, his health is precarious and to expend the negative energy to defend yourself when you cannot afford the legal representation would destroy his family.  Eric Massa is not a millionare – not even close.  He is a fighter, though.  He didn’t slink out of town licking his wounds.  He stood up like a man and is trying to tell it like it is.  He simply doesn’t have a comparable megaphone as the WH, the media, Dem leaders, and so forth. 

  • Rosa

    Larry King the old goat is horrible also.asked him if he was gay .

  • Tricia

    He may be sick and he is tired.  I think part of it is as simple as that.  Besides, those ethics hearings are kangaroo courts as far as I can tell.  They nail up who they want on a weak charge and let the real cheats go free after a little slap, depending on who they like.  Eric knows he would get the kangaroo treatment.

  • Solara 9

    Good point carol h.  I think guys, especially guys who have been in the military, do this sort of wrestling stuff.  They feel they are not  allowed to gove a real hug or kiss (like women friends can to each other) so they playi

  • Pat Racimora

    Yes Brownyn, and all of this has been so additionally anxiety-producing.  

    I felt that he had recovered some on Larry King Live—he was more like the Eric I remember. Telling it as he sees it.  King just couldn’t get off the “sexual” kick though–what a tool. 

  • confused American

    Since when does anyone sign something without knowing what is in ti….
    I thought these guys at least knew the basics of Law …

  • carol haka

    Locker room antics and Animal House – some people never grow up until you stick a fist in their face.

    >:o

  • Bronwyn

    My god.  I can’t believe that Rahm spoke that way about Massa in front of both him and his supporters.  It’s shockingly crude and rude behavior.  I’m glad that Massa gave him hell.  And it’s too bad this story isn’t being reported in the media.  Some of you who witnessed this incident should contact the media and tell reporters what Rahm did.  Massa needs stories like these to be featured in the press since he is getting hammered and/or mocked by most of the media and pundits.

  • Bronwyn

    Yes!  That’s been discussed for several days.  At the daily briefings, the WH press secretary Robert Gibbs has been asked – repeatedly -- about Joe Sestak’s allegation, and Gibbs keeps saying he knows nothing about it but will check it out.  The reporters are persisting, and Gibbs keeps putting them off.  Clearly this occurred, and clearly Gibbs has NO CLUE how to handle the question.

    There’s no doubt that Joe Sestak allegation is true.  

    Is there any possibility that such bribery is illegal or, at the least, unethical and therefore requiring a special inquiry?

  • sowsear

    Massa wasn’t King’s usual interviewee/

  • don x

    There are many members of congress under investigation.  For a list, click on the link below (not sure of the date this list was published).  Names of people being invesigated by ethics committees are supposed to be confidential.  However, at least 30 names were leaked to the press in October of 2009, to the embarrassment of those under investigation. Problem is the public is inclined to believe the accusations regardless of the innocense of the person under investigation.

    If Massa is too ill and/or hasn’t the financial means for an extended battle to clear his name, then perhaps his resignation was wise.  The public will believe what they want to believe.  If he says no more, the matter will disappear from the spotlight, and he can go on with the rest of his life and deal with his health issues.  He hardly needs the additional stress of a prolonged legal battle.  High stress is no friend of cancer.

    http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Category:Members_of_Congress_under_investigation

  • FrenchNail

    Don’t you think that those guys who knew Massa well enough by having lived with him under the same roof, would have joked around with Messa about his flirting with a Bridemade if they knew he was batting for the other team?

    I think Messa told plenty during Beck’s interview. The timeline is clear: He is under attack and pressure from the Party and WH to vote for their agenda. He resists. He has an(other) confrontation with Rahm. He does not back out. He works like a dog and starts questionning the whole separation from his family. He gets another health scare over December. The pressures amount both from his family and doctor and from the Party and WH. He announces he is not going to run for a second term thinking that this disengagement will cool things off. Rahm gets furious because he just lost all leverage visavis reelection support from the DNC. Rahm sees that Messa just bought himself 3 years of freedom. Rahm open his Chicago style dirt folder and gets the whole Ethics committee rumors leaked. Massa is tired and decides the fight is not worth it. He announces his resignation. Rahm true to himself, goes for the kill ala Rove: Don’t just defeat your enemies, eradicate them. Massa reacts and spells the beans on the whole Health Care vote pressure. Glenn Beck picks up the phone and get plenty of juicy stuff on Rahm and the others. Messa agrees to a Live Interview on Fox. The White House panicks and gets the heavy artillery out. Messa is treathened with financial ruin via legal prossecution (Messa said he could not afford heavy legal fees to defend himself. Why would he have said that if the threat of criminal/civil lawsuits had not been raised?). Messa back down on the Glenn Beck Show never mentionning Pilosi or Reid by name, and only mentionning Obama once.

    Another good one bit the dirt. Rahm just send a very clear message to all Dems considering not voting for Health Care. Watch them all fall in line ASAP.

    But out of fear comes hate. Rahm might have won this round but he made plenty of enemies today.

  • Tricia

    Interesting indeed!

  • Tricia

    I winder what, if anything, will happen to Charlie?  That is a pretty long list of problems!Rep. Charles Rangel (D-New York)

    On September 24, 2008, the House Ethics Committee launched an official probe to investigate discrepancies in his finances. The investigate subcommittee is looking into the following charges:
    Using official congressional stationery to solicit contributions for an educational center bearing his name.His living in four rent-stabilized apartments in his Harlem district while claiming his Washington, DC home as his primary residence for tax purposes.Failure to report $75,000 in rental income or pay taxes on a beach property in the Dominican Republic, which included a interest free loan deal.Storing his Mercedes-Benz in the House parking lot, contrary to House rules and tax laws.

    It was also reported, that from 2004 to 2007,he funneled almost $80,000 in campaign cash to a company run by his son to build a pair of campaign websites that were riddled with misspellings and so poorly designed, an expert estimated the cost for making and operating the site at $1,000.
    Since 1978, Rangel has also failed to report assets 28 times on his financial disclosure forms due to an investigation that revealed sums hundreds of thousands of dollars disappearing and appearing without notice from his disclosures.
    Despite Rangel’s hope that the investigation would soon clear him, on February 10, 2009, the House Ethics Committee voted to prolong the probe.

  • Stan Davis

    Well, thanks, Bronwyn, but just like Pat, this is the first time I’ve published this story.  I don’t care one whit about whether or not I trash Rahm Emmanuel, but since both Wes Clark and Eric Massa are friends of mine (if I may be so bold as to use that term), I care a lot about what “goes public” in venues that basically are private.

    I’ve told a lot of Wes Clark stories, but none from private events, conversations among friends at a more or less social level, or circumstances that are otherwise non-public.  It just doesn’t feel right.

    Stan Davis
    Lakewood, CO

  • sowsear

    Nancy tries to paint Massa as sick in the head.
    http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aJYii1K41DOE

  • don x

    I believe Rangel has stepped down as chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

    Here is another site disclosing the embarrassing leak of names of congress persons under investigation by the ethics committee:

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/29/AR2009102904597.html?sid=ST2009102904609

  • Onofre’s arm

    Perhaps the Rahman noodle monster will emerge and shred Massa into mash, and then toe dance off to the next resistant Democrat in need of a good noodle lashing.

  • Binky

    Beck disgusted me the self-righteous way he went after Massa.  I have no doubt about the credibility of Massa’s report of the corruptive pressure applied to Dems to force them to go along with the agenda.  Glen wasn’t satisfied with Massa’s story and implied that the Beck audience had wasted it’s time.  Glen attempted to belittle Massa because he said he didn’t have the time and money to fight the smears and the administration’s vindictiveness.  I can sure understand what Massa was expressing, too bad Glenn Beck with his $s and a network behind him couldn’t understand.  

    I think it’s too bad that Massa didn’t come forward earlier before there was an opportunity to smear his name.  It would have meant more to most people…

    but I do believe him.

  • jiminycricket

    Before I watched Beck’s interview with Massa, I thought that the Obama crowd was trying to smear him with the improper “groping” thing and I still do.  He seemed on the up and up to me during the interview.  I got the sense that Beck…who was a lousy interviewer, (all about himself), was trying to make news by garnering names from him and he was visibly frustrated by his inability to scoop everyone.  Massa has done us all a favor by peeling back the slimy skin of Obama and his Chicago henchman. I do wish Eric and his family well at this trying time.

  • newyorkie

    I watched Massa with Glenn Beck tonight.  Beck acted as if he were doing Massa a huge favor by allowing him on his program–disgusting. However, I came away liking Massa.  In a way, he is the main character in Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.  Strongwilled and highminded and a bit naive, he was eaten up by the pond scum.  One would think the media would welcome a Whistleblower.   However, when push came to shove they circled the wagons around Obama and Emanuel and decided that Massa was crazy and certainly not Whistleblower material. 

  • donjo

    Massa was featured in Money Magazine some time ago. (I think it was Money Mag, or something like it)  They told about how absolutely broke he was, mortgaging their house and spending their life savings to carry on his campaign.  I assume he still not rich.  I can understand why he wouldn’t want to spend any money he doesn’t have to defend himself against spurious politically motivated charges.

  • newyorkie

    Thank you for your personal stories about Eric Massa.  It makes me sadder then I can say to think that everytime someone real comes along they have to be shot down before they can make a difference and we are left with polished phonies whose empty eyes betray their arrogance.

    I believe God in his infinite wisdom has allowed us a glimpse at our own destruction.  Because if a sitting Congressman is not safe what does that say about the rest of us? 

  • sarainitaly

    I wrote a comment, I think on HotAir, that I think he got a call between his radio interview and Beck, with more threats… He opened up beck’s interview with a denial/backtrack. Something changed.

    I didn’t see the entire Beck interview, but the videos I saw I think Beck did a good job. He was definitely let down by Massa, from their half hour phone call the day before. He devoted a whole hour to him, thinking he would a. get scoop against the bully tactics, and b. help Massa get his story out. Massa kind of screwed him, as far as the show goes.

    So, I don’t know what destroyed his “revenge” attitude, whether it was more threats from the WH, or more allegations that are serious or what, but something changed.

    I wrote on my blog this isn’t the first time we have heard Dems saying the Obama WH is pressuring them out. Harold Ford, Tamyra D’Ippolito, Joe Sestak, David Paterson…who else?

    If Massa is innocent, and being forced out, he should have stuck to his story. With Beck’s huge following, I think he would have gotten a lot of support if it were true.

    His poor wife. Ugh

  • devildog666

    “ Touch football turned into tackle football when they played, and they were always slapping each other on the butt, etc. I was shocked”

    That may be, but I’ve always had grave reservations about groping sailors.

  • politicsisdirty

    Unfortunately his interview with Beck and King were his best opportunity  to come clean and change the country and politics in America and he didn’t make use of it to the max.

    We dont know whether he is protecting himself or some friends. He looked and sounded tentative with his pronouncements. eg. Is he gay?  Why can’t he answer that in a straightforward way?

  • donjo

    Why can’t he answer that in a straightforward way?  He did.  What interview were you watching.  Larry got his question shoved back down his throat.

  • donjo

    Why can’t he answer that ina straightforward way?  He did.  What interview were you watching?  Larry got his stupid question shoved back down his throat.

  • glennmcgahee

    Keep in mind that each one of Massa’s staffers will now be looking for work right there in Washington in those same Congressional offices. Do you think it would be difficult to find one or two gay staffers willing to make even more salacious allegations if Massa revealed too much. There are plenty of gay staffers, PLENTY! They have nothing at all to lose by following orders from the Whitehouse and making accusations against a “former” Congressman. They might even get a better job for doing the President a “favor”. I really believe this man has been threatened with additional charges if he didn’t shut up. The Chicago Way, is that really the change Obamabots were hoping for? We get a bill that nobody knows anything about. Taxes and fees begin to be collected now for a program that may or may not begin in 5 years. And those taxes will be held in a LOCKBOX so that Congress can’t touch the money for those 5 years. Yea right. Even if the thing passes, expect it to be voted out when Republicans take over but they’ll keep the money collected for Wall Street when the next bailout is needed.

  • BBF

    I made an exception and watch 1/2 hour of the Beck Show.  I wanted to see the Massa interview.  Am still not clear on why he decided to not stay and fight against the HealthCare/ObamaCare bill.  What a diffeence between Massa and Rangel.  No comparrison in the so-call “ethics” violations Rangel has been involved in for years..and the inappropriate behavior Massa has admitted to.

    http://www.nypost.com/f/print/news/regional/item_zgQHbjmABIUbugv6VnHoDN

    OOPS! CHARLIE FORGOT THIS $1M HOUSE

    By CHARLES HURT Bureau Chief

    Last Updated: 2:08 PM, September 2, 2009

    Posted: 2:08 PM, September 2, 2009

    WASHINGTON — Rep. Charles Rangel failed to report as much as $1.3 million in outside income — including up to $1 million for a Harlem building sale — on financial-disclosure forms he filed between 2002 and 2006, according to newly amended records.

    The documents also show the embattled chairman of the Ways and Means Committee — who is being probed by the House Ethics Committee — failed to reveal a staggering $3 million in various business transactions over the same period.

    This week, Rangel filed drastically revised financial-disclosure forms reflecting new, higher amounts of outside income and numerous additional business deals that had not been reported when the reports were originally filed.

    In 2004, for instance, Rangel reported earning between $4,000 and $10,000 in outside earnings on top of his $158,100 congressional salary.

    But the amended filings show that after the sale of a property on West 132nd Street, his outside income that year was somewhere between $118,000 and $1.04 million.

    The forms filed by House members provide for a range of value on such transactions, so the precise number isn’t publicly known.

    Rangel also lowballed his income by as much as $70,000 in 2002, $46,000 in 2003 and $117,000 in 2006, records show.

    Only in 2005 did Rangel reveal his total outside income.

    Members of Congress are required to disclose all their assets and outside income in an effort to expose possible undue influences.

    Rangel’s office insists the Harlem Democrat did not conceal any outside income from the IRS and is paid up on his taxes.

    The Post revealed yesterday that Rangel is in arrears on New Jersey property taxes — for property that for more than 15 years he failed to disclose to Congress and the public.

    Another area of wide discrepancy in his financial-disclosure forms is where he’s required to list financial transactions.

    Every year between 2002 and 2007, Rangel failed to include all his deals for the year, according to records.

    On his 2002 and 2003 financial-disclosure statements, Rangel did not include any transactions whatsoever, according to papers on file with the House clerk.

    But the amended records filed this month show as much as $310,000 in business deals in 2002 and up to $80,000 in transactions in 2003.

    In 2004, Rangel left off his disclosure form as much as $430,000 in stock transactions, amended records show. One of those deals he did include as a transaction on his original disclosure was the sale of the brownstone on West 132nd Street.

    But in the same report, Rangel failed to include proceeds from that sale as outside income. That has been revised in the amended report.

    –
    Anyway, the Beck interview with Massa…left me wondering if there was another reason he decided not to stay and fight…his reason for resigning just didn’t make a lot of sense to me.

    “The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the
    oppressed.” –Steve Biko

  • My other site

    This reminded me again of another great candidate the Dems annihilated:  Wes Clark.  I love him.  Where have all the good Democrats gone?  Gone to corporate toadies everyone.

  • My other site

    Oh the Republicans will keep the money?  We got the biggest debt and deficit in the history of the U. S. under Reagan and Bush II.

  • kenoshamarge

    That was how I saw it too. Beck appeared frustrated with Massa but it was his show and he made a real mess of the interview IMO.

    Massa did NOT come across as a nutjob. Since the latest slander against him is that he’s batshit crazy I think he did himself some good by sitting there for an hour and putting up with Beck.

  • Guest

    Solara,

    He groped staffers… what more do you want. he thought it was okay to grope staffers based on a navy cermony he attend years ago?What? Does not make logical sense. he is a nut. you forget why he is resigning. Enough said.

  • dst

       Two points, first if you look at the 8 years of Bush the 2nd (I’m no fan of him but “Bad” is a relative concept and its always possible to go from bad to worse, something the Dem’s certainly do want you to consider when they point out that our health care system is “Bad” and we need to change to something else) the  real explosion in spending occurred in the last two years when much to the surprise of the vast majority of Americans, the Dem’s (I am still officially one of them still) were in charge of Both houses and all the committees that I believe write the spending bills. Second, Yes they had to keep the war spending going but compared to other spending and the extra 2-3 zeros at the end of all the numbers they play with, they (the Dem’s) have added over the last THREE plus years makes the amount spent on the war is not so large by comparison.

  • Tricia

    Wes Clark is indeed an amazing man–and also says exactly what he thinks.  That gets him into trouble also with the corrupt powerbrokers.   

  • dst

       Two points, first if you look at the 8 years of Bush the 2nd (I’m no fan of him but “Bad” is a relative concept and its always possible to go from bad to worse, something the Dem’s certainly do want you to consider when they point out that our health care system is “Bad” and we need to change to something else) the  real explosion in spending occurred in the last two years when much to the surprise of the vast majority of Americans, the Dem’s (I am still officially one of them) were in charge of Both houses and all the committees that I believe write the spending bills. Second, Yes they had to keep the war spending going but compared to other spending and the extra 2-3 zeros at the end of all the numbers they play with, they (the Dem’s) have added over the last THREE plus years makes the amount spent on the war is not so large by comparison.

  • dst

       Two points, first if you look at the 8 years of Bush the 2nd (I’m no fan of him but “Bad” is a relative concept and its always possible to go from bad to worse, something the Dem’s certainly do want you to consider when they point out that our health care system is “Bad” and we need to change to something else) the  real explosion in spending occurred in the last two years when much to the surprise of the vast majority of Americans, the Dem’s (I am still officially one of them still) were in charge of Both houses and all the committees that I believe write the spending bills. Second, Yes they had to keep the war spending going but compared to other spending with the extra 2-3 zeros at the end of all the numbers they play with,  what they (the Dem’s) have added over the last THREE plus years makes the amount spent on the war is not so large by comparison.

  • dst

       Two points, first if you look at the 8 years of Bush the 2nd (I’m no fan of him but “Bad” is a relative concept and its always possible to go from bad to worse, something the Dem’s certainly do want you to consider when they point out that our health care system is “Bad” and we need to change to something else) the  real explosion in spending occurred in the last two years when much to the surprise of the vast majority of Americans, the Dem’s (I am still officially one of them still) were in charge of Both houses and all the committees that I believe write the spending bills. Second, Yes they had to keep the war spending going but compared to other spending and the extra 2-3 zeros at the end of all the numbers they play with, they (the Dem’s) have added over the last THREE plus years makes the amount spent on the war not so large by comparison.

  • dst

    <img style=”margin-top: 2.5px; width: 24px; height: 19px; margin-left: 0px;” src=”//js-kit.com/avatar/iemhCJ8p3bf8311u7ENLHI-24×19.jpg”/><img src=”//cdn.js-kit.com/images/stars/admin-comment.png” title=”This user is an administrator”/> dst<img style=”display: none; cursor: pointer;” src=”//cdn.js-kit.com/images/icon10-external-url.png” title=”http://www.dwarfhamster.com”/>
       Two points, first if you look at the 8 years of Bush the 2nd (I’m no fan of him but “Bad” is a relative concept and its always possible to go from bad to worse, something the Dem’s certainly do not want you to consider when they point out that our health care system is “Bad” and we need to change to something else) the  real explosion in spending occurred in the last two years when much to the surprise of the vast majority of Americans, the Dem’s (I am still officially one of them still) were in charge of Both houses and all the committees that I believe write the spending bills. Second, Yes they had to keep the war spending going but compared to other spending and the extra 2-3 zeros at the end of all the numbers they play with, they (the Dem’s) have added over the last THREE plus years makes the amount spent on the war not so large by comparison.

  • dst

       Two points, first if you look at the 8 years of Bush the 2nd (I’m no fan of him but “Bad” is a relative concept and its always possible to go from bad to worse, something the Dem’s certainly do want you to consider when they point out that our health care system is “Bad” and we need to change to something else) the  real explosion in spending occurred in the last two years when much to the surprise of the vast majority of Americans, the Dem’s (I am still officially one of them still) were in charge of Both houses and all the committees that I believe write the spending bills. Second, Yes they had to keep the war spending going but compared to other spending and the extra 2-3 zeros at the end of all the numbers they play with, they (the Dem’s) have added over the last THREE plus years makes the amount spent on the war not so large by comparison.

  • dst

       Two points, first if you look at the 8 years of Bush the 2nd (I’m no fan of him but “Bad” is a relative concept and its always possible to go from bad to worse, something the Dem’s certainly do not want you to consider when they point out that our health care system is “Bad” and we need to change to something else) the  real explosion in spending occurred in the last two years when much to the surprise of the vast majority of Americans, the Dem’s (I am still officially one of them still) were in charge of Both houses and all the committees that I believe write the spending bills. Second, Yes they had to keep the war spending going but compared to other spending and the extra 2-3 zeros at the end of all the numbers they play with, they (the Dem’s) have added over the last THREE plus years makes the amount spent on the war not so large by comparison.

  • DebDeb

    Glenn Beck is the new P.T. Barnum.

  • dst

    Two points, first if you look at the 8 years of Bush the 2nd (I’m no fan of him but “Bad” is a relative concept and its always possible to go from bad to worse, something the Dem’s certainly do not want you to consider when they point out that our health care system is “Bad” and we need to change to something else) the  real explosion in spending occurred in the last two years when much to the surprise of the vast majority of Americans, the Dem’s (I am still officially one of them) were in charge of Both houses and all the committees that I believe write the spending bills. Second, Yes they had to keep the war spending going but compared to other spending and the extra 2-3 zeros at the end of all the numbers they play with, they (the Dem’s) have added over the last THREE plus years makes the amount spent on the war not so large by comparison.

  • dst

    Two points, first if you look at the 8 years of Bush the 2nd (I’m no fan of him but “Bad” is a relative concept and its always possible to go from bad to worse, something the Dem’s certainly do not want you to consider when they point out that our health care system is “Bad” and we need to change to something else) the  real explosion in spending occurred in the last two years when much to the surprise of the vast majority of Americans, the Dem’s (I am still officially one of them) were in charge of Both houses and all the committees that I believe write the spending bills. Second, Yes they had to keep the war spending going but compared to other spending and the extra 2-3 zeros at the end of all the numbers they play with, the amount they (the Dem’s) have added over the last THREE plus years makes the amount spent on the war not so large by comparison.

  • Obamastolemycountry
  • EllenD

    That was a great phrase “polished phonies” with “empty eyes”.

  • Maria Wells

    I was there in 2005 as well.  Eric was sitting right behind me when Rahm crushed him like a bug in front of what would likely have been his biggest source of early revenue.  Frankly, I don’t think I would have been able to get up and walk out of the room after that.  I would have curled up into a fetal position and cried if that dick had treated me that way.  Oh, and by the way, Rahm treated the entire group like dirt that day.  I remember his saying that he couldn’t stay long because he  wasn’t “going to miss a vote for you people.”  Granted, none of us would have wanted him to miss a vote.  But why add “for you people.”  Clearly, he didn’t think much of Wes Clark and Wes’s supporters.

    It was unbelievable how awful Eric was treated that day by Rahm.  I felt so terrible, that I went back to my hotel room and wrote Eric’s campaign a big check.

    Rahm continued on his nasty way much after that all through Eric’s 2006 campaign.  He went to Eric’s district supposedly to campaign for him and announced to his supporters that he really wasn’t worth the DCCC’s money.  Eric stuck it out, opposing the Rahm-based establishment, and just barely lost in 2006.

    Frankly, I wanted him to quit.  I didn’t want to go through it again.  Running for Congress (and it wasn’t me, just someone I supported and had grown to care about greatly) is too awful of an experience.

    But Eric did it again.  And what did he get for his willingness to go through it all over again?  The DCCC still threatened him at every turn, acted like he wasn’t a good enough candidate (though in a district that had been Republican for as long as anyone could remember, he came really close), and threw obstacles in his way every chance they could get.  Finally, I’d guess it was about halfway through 2007, the establishment finally decided to support him.

    Eric won.  It was a miracle.  Then he went to Congress and fought like hell for his people–his constituents.  I was still around, working for the campaign side of things.  I saw him brilliantly handle everything that was thrown at him.  He did constituent services like no one ever has.  Before he was even in office, Thanksgiving weekend, 2008, his campaign got in an email from a dying veteran’s family.  They were in need of some help working through the red tape.  Eric and his not-yet-staff were working that problem within 24 hours.  That’s the kind of public servant Eric Massa was.  The people of the 29th district should be very sad now.  Nobody served them like Eric did.

    Eric was far from perfect.  He really shouldn’t have put his finger in Rahm’s chest that horrible day in 2005.  He should have let us whisk him away like some of us tried.  He blows his top and gets in people’s faces.  Sometimes he gets a little to focussed on what he believes and communicates only his take on things, to the point that it might seem like the story is changing a bit as his take changes.  Those are real faults.  Those are faults that everyone who was a strong supporter of his knew all along, or at least since that awful day in 2005.  But it didn’t matter.  We knew Eric would make a fabulous Congressman, despite his faults.  We threw everything we had into getting him there.

    Eric Massa is a great man.  The press is disgusting.

  • surfered

    The credibility of the premise of this story was destroyed by Congressman Massa’s appearance on the Glenn Beck Show yesterday.

  • Patience

    I’d never heard of Rep. Massa until this big story broke.  I didn’t watch the Beck interview but saw him on Larry King.  On that show he didn’t seem like a nut but nevertheless I felt like he wasn’t exactly straightforward in his responses.  For what it’s worth, here’s how I perceive what’s going on:

    It’s crunch time for healthcare passage (Mar. 18 is the newest deadline) and the WH and Pelosi are desperate for votes.  Massa was a definite no vote.  Rahm Emmanuel supposedly has gritty intel on many players and I suspect there may be some truth to the charges of sexual harrassment against Massa.  So he was confronted with this and abruptly quit. 

    Sorry folks but the stories about groping, etc. and Massa’s answers to them raise doubts in my mind.  Why else couldn’t he have toughed it out for a few more days in order to cast his no vote if he thinks this bill is so bad for the country? 

    Bottom line:  I think Emmanuel succeeded in blackmailing Massa and at the same time sent a big message to other possible dissenters to get with the program.  His allies in Big Media, particularly the Washington Post, are abetting his efforts.  This is very disturbing.

  • Stan Davis

    What a great post, Maria!  Thanks for this.

    Stan Davis
    Lakewood, CO

  • Stan Davis

    Great video!!  No, I hadn’t seen it, StoleMy.  Thanks so much for sharing it.

    Stan Davis
    Lakewood, CO

  • mamakay

    I have to admit that Eric did not come accross as very apealing to me, but I do trust my sisters opinion and will go with that.  Holder has always been scary to me so at this point I will continue to dislike him.  I have always shyed away from politics and this year only validates what I have always felt.  Is there no end to the corruption.  What a mess

  • catf

    “why not just stick out the nine days and vote ‘No’?” Because the vote will NOT be in nine days. Even Hoyer is saying the White House never asked Congress if that deadline was happening. This healthcare debate has dragged on for over a year now. It will probably be three more years, not just nine days.

  • catf

    Because the WH is so thin-skinned and trying to spread rumors about Massa’s lack of sanity, it’s just giving this story more legs and giving more people a chance to see Massa on the air. Quick, publishers – give Massa a book contract before he gets too sick. It would help him financially and be a real Mr. Smith Goes to Washington story for our time.

  • AnnieCarmel

    And the Chinese report:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnVI2aveIn8

    LOL!  I think they’ve got it down!

  • Solara 9

    I was thinking the same thing.  Maybe he aready has a deal, which is why he was a lit5tle vague during the 2 interviews (which he says are his last).  If he writes a book I will be the first one to order a copy!  I think he knows a lot and is courageous enough to tell us.

  • Mitch Dworkin

    I wish only the best for Eric and his family.  I hope that Eric leaves the national scene because the media are only using him as a punching bag right now in my opinion.  I am sure that he can use some rest and relaxation right now.

    People and the media should talking much more about Sen. Harry Reid in my opinion because he tried to rig the 2008 Democratic primary against Hillary by encouraging Obama to run, using the race card as part of his “reasoning” to do it, and by leading a conspiracy where he and other Senators were publicly on the record as either being neutral or for Hillary while they were privately trying to help Obama behind the scenes.  All of this is credibly documented in the recent book “Game Change” by Mark Halperin and John Heilemann:

    http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/31318.html

    ‘Game Change’ disputes Reid’s Obama timeline

    By MANU RAJU | 1/10/10 12:09 PM EST

    “A new book disputes Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s account of his attempts to persuade Barack Obama to run for president — saying they started a year earlier and played out differently than Reid has previously suggested.

    “Game Change,” co-authored by journalists Mark Halperin and John Heilemann, reveals that Reid was pushing Obama in the summer of 2006 to consider running for president, suggesting that Reid was concerned early on that Hillary Clinton would lose the White House and undercutting the majority leader’s public stance that he was neutral in the race…”

    http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/11/us/politics/11reidweb.html 

    G.O.P. Chairman Urges Reid to Step Down Over Remarks

    By JEFF ZELENY and JOSEPH BERGER
    Published: January 10, 2010

    “Mr. Reid’s remarks were contained in “Game Change,” a newly published account of the 2008 presidential race by political journalists John Heilemann and Mark Halperin. The book reported that Mr. Reid privately urged Mr. Obama, then a freshman senator, to seek the presidency in the fall of 2006 despite his limited experience and the historical obstacles to making such a run…

    In another passage, the book says that Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York was among the Democrats quietly encouraging Mr. Obama to enter the race. Mr. Schumer later endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton, but he and Mr. Reid jointly urged Mr. Obama to run in late 2006. (Mr. Schumer said through a spokesman that he “had a high regard for President Obama, but he was a strong and devoted supporter of then-Senator Clinton from the day she announced her campaign to the day she withdrew.”)…”

    Anything that goes wrong with Obama because of his inexperience and lack of toughness (which Harry Reid should have seen before he irresponsibly encouraged Obama to run) is mostly Harry Reid’s fault in my opinion.  Let’s just say that I will lose some sleep hoping that Eric Massa is okay while I will NOT lose any sleep if Harry Reid loses his race for re-election in November!

    Mitch Dworkin
    Dallas, Texas
    http://mitchdworkin.com/
    Objective Political Research & Analysis

  • really

    Pat, did Eric Massa ever grope you?

  • Obamastolemycountry

    I just wish Massa would have had some fight left in him.  There may be many DemonRATS coming after him, but there are several million of us who would have stood by him!  Imagine the donations to any legal fund!  Had he stayed in to fight and vote no, the people would have been right there with him.  We can circle the wagons, too!

  • Clara

    Good to hear your take on this, Maria.  Thanks for posting.

  • )o(

    Something to consider:
    Eric Massa’s Navy Files.(Rahm Emmanuel’s Long Arm, perhaps?) :(
    http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2010/03/eric-massas-navy-files/37309/

  • Clara

    Lot’s of us love Wes Clark.  We felt he was the right choice in 2004 and nothing has persuaded me to believe differently.

  • cupholder

    I have NH and it is cancer of the blood

  • CentralMass

    Turned on MSNBC for a quick second last night for the first time in a long time. To see O’Donnell filling in for tingle doing a hatchet job on Massa. What a scumbag network.

  • politicsisdirty

    Massa will now keep quiet….haven’t you read, the ethics panel just ended probe of Massa misconduct. 

    When did this happen before Massa had his interview with Glenn Beck or Larry King?

  • arabella trefoil

    Rahm decided it was time to shoot a hostage. Obama and his crew are thugs. They made an example of Massa.

    They have taken rat fucking to a whole new level.

  • tango

    I don’t know about Massa. I think part of what he says is true (about Rahm & the WH) and part is lies to minimize his bad behavior. Unfortunately, Massa put a call out for people to interview those he served with in the Navy as proof that he’s honorable. Mistake. Some of his fellow Navy sailors have relayed unflattering stories that back up the theme that Massa behaves inappropriately with his male co-workers.  One guy even said Massa climbed in his bed and tried to “snorkle” him.  There just comes a point when it’s too hard to think everyone coming forward is lying due to some big Democratic conspiracy to get Massa out of office. I think his behavior might have contributed to the Democrats deciding to push the issue and force him out.

    The new thing is, there is rumours that Pelosi knew about all this last September/October while she says she didn’t know until February. So maybe she was willing to overlook the claims of sexual harrassment if Massa voted the way Democratic leadership wanted.

  • donjo

    So anybody from 20 years ago come pop up and say anything and that’s automatically believeable?  If “they” applied the same standards to most of congress that they have applied to Eric, the place would be empty.  How easy we forget to jump on a fresh target.  Sick. Sick. Sick.  Nice job of helping the Swiftboaters.

  • Tricia

    Interesting to see that the Atlantic has turned into a sleazy gossip rag.  Read that story carefully–something is really fishy.

  • Tricia

    Absoutely agree, Donjo. Who would ever want to run for any political office any more? Everfyone has something they are not proud of, and the bar is really low for a smear job.

  • Nellie

    Which staffers? We are now down to “un-named sources”. Further the staffers he allegedly “groped” are not the ones who filed a complaint.

    Rham Emanuel’s behaviors are much more repugnant to me than a few choice words at a parrty where the parties intiating a comment are drunk. If Massa were a football star or Rap star and slapped soemone wuould you still be trying to smear the man?