Hillary Clinton Gives Obama An "A Grade," But Many Americans Are Struggling Under A Presidency Of Broken Promises

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TOP TAKEAWAYS

Obama abandoned his commitment to "unprecedented" transparency.

Obama has failed on his promise to close GITMO.

Obama failed to end the war in Iraq and finish the job in Afghanistan.

Obama broke his promise to pursue a "tough, smart and principled national security strategy."

Obama broke his promise not to raise taxes on the middle-class.

Obama failed to grow the middle-class and Americans' incomes.

Obama broke his promise to allow Americans to keep their plans and lower costs under Obamacare.

Obama failed to make immigration a top priority and pass comprehensive reform in his first year.

Obama failed to "nail shut" the revolving door of lobbyists working in his administration.

Obama broke his promise to bring both parties together to enact a bipartisan agenda.

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HILLARY CLINTON HAS GIVEN OBAMA AN "A" GRADE FOR HIS PRESIDENCY

In An Interview With The Boston Globe, Clinton Gave The Obama Administration An "A" For Its Overall Performance. HILLARY CLINTON: "I'd give him an 'A.' I don't think he gets the credit he deserves for saving our economy from falling into a great depression, for saving the auto industry which represents millions of jobs up and down the supply chain, for beginning the crackdown on Wall Street abuses with Dodd-Frank, for getting the Affordable Care Act passed, for really being as responsive as he could possibly be given the obstructionism that he faced with the republicans in congress." (Hillary Clinton Interview With The Boston Globe, 10/17/15)

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OBAMA ABANDONED HIS COMMITMENT TO "UNPRECEDENTED" TRANSPARENCY

PROMISE: President Obama: "My Administration Is Committed To Creating An Unprecedented Level Of Openness In Government." (President Barack Obama, "Memorandum For The Heads Of Executive Departments And Agencies: Transparency and Open Government," Press Release, 1/21/09)

PROMISE: President Obama: "Let Me Say It As Simply As I Can: Transparency And The Rule Of Law Will Be The Touchstones Of This Presidency." (President Barack Obama, Remarks By The President In Welcoming Senior Staff And Cabinet Secretaries To The White House, Washington, DC, 1/21/09)

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney: "We Are The Most Transparent Administration In History, Without Question." ( White House Press Briefing , 9/28/11)

( , 9/28/11) President Obama : "I Won't Stop Fighting To Open Up Government." (President Barack Obama, Remarks At A Town Hall Meeting, Elyria, OH, 1/22/10)

Obama "Hasn't Even Made A Token Effort" To Keep His Transparency Promises

BROKEN: The Associated Press Headline: "Government Secrecy Up Under Obama Administration" ("Government Secrecy Up Under Obama Administration," The Associated Press, 3/17/14)

According To The Government's Own Records, The Administration "Has Made Few Meaningful Improvements In The Way It Releases Records." "The government's own figures from 99 federal agencies covering six years show that halfway through its second term, the administration has made few meaningful improvements in the way it releases records. In category after category - except for reducing numbers of old requests and a slight increase in how often it waived copying fees - the government's efforts to be more open about its activities last year were their worst since President Barack Obama took office." ("Government Secrecy Up Under Obama Administration," The Associated Press, 3/17/14)

After Directing Agencies To Invoke The "Deliberative Process" Exception To Withhold Material Under The Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), It Was Used A Record 81,752 Times. "And five years after Obama directed agencies to less frequently invoke a 'deliberative process' exception to withhold materials describing decision-making behind the scenes, the government did it anyway, a record 81,752 times." ("Government Secrecy Up Under Obama Administration," The Associated Press, 3/17/14)

CNN's Jack Cafferty: "President Obama Hasn't Even Made A Token Effort To Keep His Campaign Promises Of More Openness And Transparency In Government. It Was All Just Another Lie That Was Told In Order To Get Elected." (CNN's "The Cafferty File," 1/6/10)

On His Transparency Goals, Obama Has Been "Far More 'Talk The Talk' Rather Than 'Walk The Walk.'" "'When it comes to implementation of Obama's wonderful transparency policy goals, especially FOIA policy in particular, there has been far more 'talk the talk' rather than 'walk the walk,'' said Daniel Metcalfe, director of the Department of Justice's office monitoring the government's compliance with FOIA requests from 1981 to 2007."(Jim Snyder and Danielle Ivory, "Obama Cabinet Flunks Disclosure Test With 19 In 20 Ignoring Law," Bloomberg, 9/28/12)

The Associated Press Headline: "Promises, Promises: Little Transparency Progress." ("Promises, Promises: Little Transparency Progress," The Associated Press, 3/14/11)

Los Angeles Times Editorial: "One Of The Most Disappointing Attributes Of The Obama Administration Has Been Its Proclivity For Secrecy." "One of the most disappointing attributes of the Obama administration has been its proclivity for secrecy. The president who committed himself to 'an unprecedented level of openness in government' has followed the example of his predecessor by invoking the "state secrets" privilege to derail litigation about government misdeeds in the war on terror." (Editorial, "Obama's Secrets," Los Angeles Times, 10/31/11)

Government Secrecy Is "Worse Than Ever Under The Obama Administration." "This is why the U.S. Government's fixation on secrecy - worse than ever under the Obama administration, as evidenced by its unprecedented war on whistleblowers - is so pernicious. It not only enables government officials to operate in the dark, which inevitably ensures vast (though undiscovered) abuses of power." (Glenn Greenwald, "Obama Takes Bush's Secrecy Games One Step Further," Salon, 3/26/12)

Obama's Visitor Logs Were Missing Thousands Of Names While Mischaracterizing Meetings

BROKEN: The White House Logs Are "Missing The Names Of Thousands Of Visitors To The White House, Including Lobbyists," And Donors. "Similarly, the logs are missing the names of thousands of other visitors to the White House, including lobbyists, government employees, campaign donors, policy experts and friends of the first family, according to an investigation by the Center for Public Integrity." (Viveca Novak and Fred Schulte, "White House Visitor Logs Leave Out Many," Politico, 4/13/11)

The Logs "Routinely Omit Or Cloud Key Details" Of The Visitors. "Yet the Center's analysis shows that the logs routinely omit or cloud key details about the identity of visitors, whom they met with and the nature of their visits." (Viveca Novak and Fred Schulte, "White House Visitor Logs Leave Out Many," Politico, 4/13/11)

Less Than One Percent Of The Visits From Obama's First 8 Months In Office Have Been Disclosed. "Less than 1 percent of the estimated 500,000 visits to the White House in Obama's first eight months - a time when the new administration was bustling with activity - have been disclosed, according to the Center's analysis." (Viveca Novak and Fred Schulte, "White House Visitor Logs Leave Out Many," Politico, 4/13/11)

"The Logs Include Names Of People Cleared By The Secret Service For White House Entry Who Apparently Never Showed Up." "The logs include names of people cleared by the Secret Service for White House entry who apparently never showed up. The Center analysis found more than 200,000 visits with no time of arrival, an indication that the person didn't enter the White House, though there is no way to be certain. For instance, actor Ryan Gosling is listed at a West Wing event with members of his band, Dead Man's Bones, in October 2009. But Gosling's representative, Carolyn Govers, said the actor did not go." (Viveca Novak and Fred Schulte, "White House Visitor Logs Leave Out Many," Politico, 4/13/11)

Visitors Are "Routinely" Listed As Meeting With Junior Staffers When They Really Met With "Someone Higher Up The Chain Of Command," Including The President Himself. "Another practice calling into question the veracity of the logs: Junior White House staff members routinely list themselves as the 'visitee,' or person being visited, when in fact the visitor has arrived to see someone higher up the chain of command. The practice appears to apply to the commander in chief in some instances." (Viveca Novak and Fred Schulte, "White House Visitor Logs Leave Out Many," Politico, 4/13/11)

The Obama Administration Has Not Kept Their Transparency Promise When It Comes To Hillary Clinton's Secret Server

BROKEN: Last Week, Press Secretary Josh Earnest Defended The Obama Administration's "Pursuit Of Transparency" While Fumbling An Answer About Secretary Clinton's Request To Have An Email Sent Via Non Secure Means. REPORTER: "On Hillary Clinton's emails, which has been an ongoing story, as you know, over night the State Department released 3,000 pages at about 1 AM, one is getting some attention today. It's an email between Mrs. Clinton and her top aide, Jake Sullivan, and she's trying to receive some sensitive talking points via secure fax and she writes 'if they can't fax them, turn into non-paper with no identifying heading and send non-secure,' getting a lot of chatter from Mrs. Clinton critics on this but does the White House think it's appropriate to remove markings and send information in a non-secure format?" WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY JOSH EARNEST: "I'm just not aware of all the circumstances of what exactly transpired but my guess is that the Clinton campaign has done some digging on this to try and understand the circumstances of this particular communication, so, I'd refer you to them to get a better understanding of exactly what it says about the way Secretary Clinton handled sensitive information." REPORTER: "But, surely you would say that removing markings on any document from anybody in the administration that was to be transmitted to be removed any marking classification would not be appropriate?" EARNEST: "It is not uncommon for the administration, in pursuit of transparency, to release redacted information that if un-redacted were to otherwise would be subject to some classification. Again, without knowing the details of what exactly was being discussed it's hard for me to comment." (Josh Earnest, Remarks At White House Press Briefing, 1/8/16)

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On Monday, It Was Reported That The FBI Investigation Into Clinton's Secret Server Was Expanding Into Potential Violations Of Public Corruption Laws "By Examining Possible Overlap Of The Clinton Foundation Charity With State Department Business." "The FBI is widening its investigation of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's use of a private email account while she was U.S. secretary of state to determine whether any public corruption laws were violated, Fox News reported on Monday. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been looking into whether classified material was mishandled during Clinton's tenure at the State Department from 2009-2013. It will expand its probe by examining possible overlap of the Clinton Foundation charity with State Department business, Fox reported, citing three unidentified intelligence officials." (Doina Chiacu, "FBI Expanding Investigation Of Clinton Private Email Use: Fox," Reuters, 1/11/15)

OBAMA HAS FAILED ON HIS PROMISE TO CLOSE GITMO

PROMISE: Obama, 2007: "We're Going To Lead By Shutting Down Guantanamo And Restoring Habeas Corpus In This Country So That We Offer Them An Example." OBAMA: "So I want Republicans and Democrats and independents to understand that, as president, I am going to want to go before the entire world and say: America's back. We are ready to lead. But we're not just going to lead militarily. We're going to lead by building schools in the Middle East that teach math and science instead of hatred of Americans. We're going to lead by shutting down Guantanamo and restoring habeas corpus in this country so that we offer them an example." (Barack Obama, Democratic Primary Debate, Las Vegas, NV, 11/15/07)

Immediately After Taking Office, Obama Signed An Executive Order To Close Guantanamo Bay's Detainment Camp Within One Year. "Closure of Detention Facilities at Guantánamo. The detention facilities at Guantánamo for individuals covered by this order shall be closed as soon as practicable, and no later than 1 year from the date of this order. If any individuals covered by this order remain in detention at Guantánamo at the time of closure of those detention facilities, they shall be returned to their home country, released, transferred to a third country, or transferred to another United States detention facility in a manner consistent with law and the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States." (Barack Obama, Executive Order -- Review And Disposition Of Individuals Detained At The Guantánamo Bay Naval Base And Closure Of Detention Facilities , 1/22/09)

It Is "Increasingly Doubtful" Obama Will Be Able To Shut Down Gitmo After He Decided To "Hold Off" In November 2015

BROKEN: "It Is Increasingly Doubtful That Obama Will Fulfill" His 2008 Campaign Promise To Shut Down Guantanamo. "Partly as a result of the Pentagon's maneuvers, it is increasingly doubtful that Obama will fulfill a pledge he made in the 2008 presidential election: to close the detention center at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Obama criticized President George W. Bush for having set up the prison for foreigners seized in the 'War on Terror' after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S., and then keeping them there for years without trial." (Charles Levinson and David Rohde, "Special Report: Pentagon Thwarts Obama's Effort To Close Guantanamo," Reuters, 12/29/15)

In November 2015, Obama Decided To "Hold Off" On Releasing His Plan To Close The Guantanamo Bay Prison. "The Obama administration has decided to hold off on releasing a plan to close the U.S. military prison at Guantánamo Bay. The decision not to release the plan - which lawmakers had expected as early as last week - was triggered by financial concerns and was made before Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris, said a Pentagon official involved in the discussions." (Bryan Bender and Nahal Toosi, "Obama Administration Delays Gitmo Closure Plan," Politico, 11/18/15)

Politico Headline: "Obama Administration Delays Gitmo Closure Plan" (Bryan Bender and Nahal Toosi, "Obama Administration Delays Gitmo Closure Plan," Politico, 11/18/15)

OBAMA FAILED TO END THE WAR IN IRAQ AND FINISH THE JOB IN AFGHANISTAN

PROMISE: Obama, 2008: "We Will End This War In Iraq. We Will Bring Our Troops Home. We Will Finish The Job - We Will Finish The Job Against Al Qaida In Afghanistan." OBAMA: "We will end this war in Iraq. We will bring our troops home. We will finish the job -- we will finish the job against Al Qaida in Afghanistan. We will care for our veterans. We will restore our moral standing in the world." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Nashua, NH, 1/8/08)

The Obama White House "Has Steadily Expanded The Global Missions Of American Special Operations Troops." "They are taking on a larger combat role in Afghanistan, where the war was supposed to be over. They are headed to Syria to help fight the Islamic State in its stronghold. And President Obama recently ordered nearly 300 of them to Cameroon to assist African troops in their battle against a militant group that has pledged loyalty to the Islamic State. With the Middle East in tumult, radical groups holding swaths of territory in Africa, and a presidential campaign fanning fears of a growing terrorism threat, the White House has steadily expanded the global missions of American Special Operations troops." (Mark Mazzetti and Eric Schmitt, "Obama's 'Boots On The Ground': U.S. Special Forces Are Sent To Tackle Global Threats," The New York Times , 12/17/15)

"These Deployments, As Well As Other Missions Being Considered, Have Upended The Obama Administration's Goal Of Withdrawing From Countries That For More Than A Decade Have Been Crucibles Of Combat For The American Military." "The Obama administration long ago showed its inclination to rely on Special Operations troops and clandestine missions as an alternative to large wars of occupation. But the spread of the Islamic State over the past year - from its hubs in Syria and Iraq to affiliates in Africa and South Asia - has led the White House to turn to elite troops to try to snuff out crises in numerous locations. These deployments, as well as other missions being considered, have upended the Obama administration's goal of withdrawing from countries that for more than a decade have been crucibles of combat for the American military." (Mark Mazzetti and Eric Schmitt, "Obama's 'Boots On The Ground': U.S. Special Forces Are Sent To Tackle Global Threats," The New York Times , 12/17/15)

After Hastily Pulling Troops Out Of Iraq, U.S. Troops Are Back In Combat

BROKEN: On Ending The War In Iraq, "Those Résumé Bullet Points Are Now Up For Debate" As The Country Has "Erupted In Violence" And The County Faces A "Growing Crisis And Threat Of All-Out Civil War." "The growing crisis and threat of all-out civil war in Iraq has cast a cloud over Hillary Clinton's book tour touting her accomplishments as secretary of State. … On Tuesday, White House spokesman Josh Earnest even said Clinton's greatest accomplishments at the State Department included ending the war in Iraq and 'decimating and destroying' al Qaeda. But those résumé bullet points are now up for debate as Iraq has erupted in violence and insurgents linked to al Qaeda have captured four cities, including Mosul, Iraq's second-largest metropolitan center." (Alexander Bolton, "Iraq Casts Shadow Over Clinton," The Hill, 6/14/14)

The Obama Administration "May Have Ensured That They' Would Pass [Its] Successor A Volatile And Incomplete War." "In ordering a sustained military campaign against Islamic extremists in Syria and Iraq, President Obama on Wednesday night effectively set a new course for the remainder of his presidency and may have ensured that he would pass his successor a volatile and incomplete war, much as his predecessor left one for him." (Peter Baker, "New Military Campaign Extends A Legacy Of War," The New York Times , 9/10/14)

In October 2015, The Pentagon Conceded "That U.S. Troops Are In Combat In Iraq." "The Pentagon conceded Wednesday that U.S. troops are in combat in Iraq after days of dancing around the characterization following the first death of U.S. service member in the campaign against ISIS. 'We're in combat,' Army Col. Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman, told reporters Wednesday. 'I mean, of course, this is a combat zone. There's a war going on in Iraq, if folks haven't noticed. And we're here and it's all around us.'" (Jeremy Diamond, "Pentagon: 'We're In Combat' In Iraq," CNN, 10/30/15)

Pentagon Spokesperson Army Col. Steve Warren: "We're In Combat … I Mean, Of Course, This Is A Combat Zone. There's A War Going On In Iraq, If Folks Haven't Noticed. And We're Here And It's All Around Us." "The Pentagon conceded Wednesday that U.S. troops are in combat in Iraq after days of dancing around the characterization following the first death of U.S. service member in the campaign against ISIS. 'We're in combat,' Army Col. Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman, told reporters Wednesday. 'I mean, of course, this is a combat zone. There's a war going on in Iraq, if folks haven't noticed. And we're here and it's all around us.'" (Jeremy Diamond, "Pentagon: 'We're In Combat' In Iraq," CNN, 10/30/15)

In December 2015, Defense Secretary Ash Carter Told Congress The U.S. Would Deploy A New Special Operations Force In Iraq To Fight Against ISIS. "The U.S. military will deploy a new special operations force to Iraq to step up the fight against Islamic State militants who are unleashing violence and are determined to hold territory they have seized in Iraq and Syria, Defense Secretary Ash Carter told Congress on Tuesday." ("U.S. Military Will Deploy Special Troops To Fight ISIS In Iraq," The Associated Press, 12/1/15)

The Associated Press Headline: "U.S. Military Will Deploy Special Troops To Fight ISIS In Iraq" ("U.S. Military Will Deploy Special Troops To Fight ISIS In Iraq," The Associated Press, 12/1/15)

("U.S. Military Will Deploy Special Troops To Fight ISIS In Iraq," The Associated Press, 12/1/15) "The Introduction Of The Assault Force Puts U.S. Combat Troops On The Ground In A More Permanent Role In Iraq And Syria…" "The U.S. military will deploy a new special operations force to Iraq to step up the fight against Islamic State militants who are unleashing violence and are determined to hold territory they have seized in Iraq and Syria, Defense Secretary Ash Carter told Congress on Tuesday. The introduction of the assault force puts U.S. combat troops on the ground in a more permanent role in Iraq and Syria for the first time in the year-plus fight against IS. It comes as Republicans have called for more U.S. boots on the ground, while war-weary Americans stand divided about the prospect of greater military involvement." ("U.S. Military Will Deploy Special Troops To Fight ISIS In Iraq," The Associated Press, 12/1/15)

"There Currently Are About 3,300 U.S. Troops In Iraq…" "There currently are about 3,300 U.S. troops in Iraq, and President Barack Obama had previously announced he was sending fewer than 50 special operations forces to Syria." ("U.S. Military Will Deploy Special Troops To Fight ISIS In Iraq," The Associated Press, 12/1/15)

Instead Of Completing The Job In Afghanistan, The Military Is Asking For Additional Troops And Expanded Capacity

BROKEN: U.S. Special Forces Troops "Are Taking On A Larger Combat Role In Afghanistan, Where The War Was Supposed To Be Over." "They are taking on a larger combat role in Afghanistan, where the war was supposed to be over. They are headed to Syria to help fight the Islamic State in its stronghold. And President Obama recently ordered nearly 300 of them to Cameroon to assist African troops in their battle against a militant group that has pledged loyalty to the Islamic State. With the Middle East in tumult, radical groups holding swaths of territory in Africa, and a presidential campaign fanning fears of a growing terrorism threat, the White House has steadily expanded the global missions of American Special Operations troops." (Mark Mazzetti and Eric Schmitt, "Obama's 'Boots On The Ground': U.S. Special Forces Are Sent To Tackle Global Threats," The New York Times , 12/17/15)

After Obama Signaled Plans To Withdraw U.S. Troops From Afghanistan, In October 2015, He Announced American Forces Would Remain There At Current Levels. "Obama also signaled plans to withdraw American forces from the country, only to announce last October that U.S. troops will remain in the country at current levels throughout much of 2016." (Jim Sciutto, "U.S. Soldier Killed In Afghanistan," CNN, 1/5/16)

The New York Times Headline: "In Reversal, Obama Says U.S. Soldiers Will Stay In Afghanistan To 2017" (Matthew Rosenberg And Michael D. Shear, "In Reversal, Obama Says U.S. Soldiers Will Stay In Afghanistan To 2017," The New York Times, 10/15/15)

Given "Afghanistan's Security Situation Is So Tenuous," In December 2015, Army Gen. John Campbell Said He May Seek Additional U.S. Troops For Afghanistan. "Afghanistan's security situation is so tenuous that the top U.S. commander there wants to keep as many U.S. troops there as possible through 2016 to boost beleaguered Afghan soldiers and may seek additional American forces to assist them. Army Gen. John Campbell said in an interview with USA TODAY that maintaining the current force of 9,800 U.S. troops to train Afghan forces and conduct counter-terrorism raids is vital, and that the scheduled reduction to 5,500 by Jan. 1, 2017, should be put off as long as possible." (Tom Vanden Brook, "Top U.S. General May Seek More Troops For Afghanistan," USA Today, 12/29/15)

OBAMA BROKE HIS PROMISE TO PURSUE A "TOUGH, SMART AND PRINCIPLED NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY"

PROMISE: Obama, 2008: "As President, I Will Pursue A Tough, Smart And Principled National Security Strategy." OBAMA: "As President, I will pursue a tough, smart and principled national security strategy -- one that recognizes that we have interests not just in Baghdad, but in Kandahar and Karachi, in Tokyo and London, in Beijing and Berlin. I will focus this strategy on five goals essential to making America safer: ending the war in Iraq responsibly; finishing the fight against Al Qaida and the Taliban; securing all nuclear weapons and materials from terrorists and rogue states; achieving true energy security; and rebuilding our alliances to meet the challenges of the 21st century." (Barack Obama, Remarks, Washington, D.C., 7/15/08)

Former Secretary Of State Madeline Albright: "The World's A Mess. That Is A Diplomatic Term Of Art. I Am Sorry, But It Is True." MADELINE ALBRIGHT: "And we see how many of the assumptions of my generation, and your parents' generation, about the 21st century have been proven wrong. To put it another way: the world's a mess. That is a diplomatic term of art. I am sorry, but it is true." (Madeline Albright, Commencement Address At Tufts University, Medford, MA, 5/17/15)

Obama Has Downplayed Terrorism And ISIS

BROKEN: In An Interview Airing The Day After The Attack In San Bernardino, Obama Said A Paris-Style Attack Could Not Happen In The U.S. "President Barack Obama said in an interview that aired Thursday that he is confident the U.S. is safe from a Paris-style attack from ISIS and that American law enforcement is well equipped to protect the nation during the holidays. 'ISIL will not pose an existential threat to us. They are a dangerous organization like al Qaeda was, but we have hardened our defenses,' Obama told CBS. 'The American people should feel confident that, you know, we are going to be able to defend ourselves and make sure that, you know, we have a good holiday and go about our lives.'" (Tom Lobianco, "Obama: U.S. Safe Against ISIS Attack," CNN, 12/4/15)

One Day Before Al Qaeda's Attack In Mali, Secretary Of State John Kerry Claimed That We Were Able To "Neutralize" Al Qaeda As An "Effective Force." KERRY: "We began our fight against al Qaeda in 2001 and it took us quite a few years before we were able to eliminate Osama bin Laden and the top leadership and neutralize them as an effective force. We hope to do Daesh much faster than that and we think we have an ability to do that. So, that's the effort and we're going to continue." (John Kerry, Remarks, Washington, D.C., 11/19/15)

Obama's Strategy To Defeat ISIS Has Been A "Flailing Effort." "President Barack Obama is about to lose the man he hand-picked to build the war effort against the Islamic State. Retired General John Allen will be stepping down as envoy to the global coalition this fall, and the White House is searching for a replacement to be the face of America's flailing effort to destroy the jihadist group in Syria and Iraq." (Josh Rogin and Eli Lake, "Obama's Islamic State War Czar Stepping Down," Bloomberg View, 9/22/15)

In An Interview Airing The Day Of The Paris Attacks, Obama Downplayed The ISIS Threat, Saying He Doesn't Believe They Are Getting Stronger And That They Are "Contained ." STEPHANOPOULOS: "But ISIS is gaining strength, aren't they?" OBAMA: "Well, I don't think they're gaining strength. What is true is that from the start our goal has been first to contain and we have contained them. They have not gained ground in Iraq and in Syria, they'll come in, they'll leave. But you don't see the systematic march by ISIL across the terrain." (ABC's " Good Morning America," 11/13/15)

Many Of Obama's Democrat Allies In Congress Say That Obama Is "Undermining Americans' Sense Of Safety" By Not Being "Aggressive Enough" In Confronting ISIS. "Many of President Obama's Democratic allies in Congress say they do not believe he is being aggressive enough in confronting the terrorist threat of the Islamic State after last week's attacks in California, undermining Americans' sense of safety, especially among voters who will decide the party's fate in elections next year." (Jennifer Steinhauer and Michael D. Shear, "Obama's Plans To Stop ISIS Leave Many Democrats Wanting More," The New York Times , 12/8/15)

Iran, One Of The Biggest Sponsors Of Terrorism, "Will Be More Powerful Tomorrow" Due To The Nuclear Deal

BROKEN: Due To The Nuclear Deal, "The Theocratic Regime That Rules Iran-A Regime That Is A Committed And Proficient Sponsor Of Terrorism, According To John Kerry's State Department-Will Be More Powerful Tomorrow Than It Is Today…" "The theocratic regime that rules Iran-a regime that is a committed and proficient sponsor of terrorism, according to John Kerry's State Department-will be more powerful tomorrow than it is today, thanks to the agreement it has just negotiated with the Obama administration, America's European allies, and two U.S. adversaries as well." (Jeffrey Goldberg, "The Single Most Important Question To Ask About The Iran Deal," The Atlantic, 7/14/15)

"Iran's Role In Destabilizing The Middle East Has Worsened Since Signing The Nuclear Deal." (Editorial, "Iran's Congressional Veto," The Wall Street Journal , 1/4/16)

OBAMA BROKE HIS PROMISE NOT TO RAISE TAXES ON THE MIDDLE-CLASS

PROMISE: While Still A Candidate, Obama Promised No Tax Increases-Of Any Kind-On The Middle-Class. OBAMA: "I can make a firm pledge. Under my plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase. Not your income tax, not your payroll tax, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes." (Senator Barack Obama, Remarks In Dover, NH, 8/12/08)

As President, Obama Repeated His Pledge That Those Making Less Than $250,000 A Year Would Not See Their Taxes Raised "A Single Dime." OBAMA: "If your family earns less than $250,000 a year, a quarter million dollars a year, you will not see your taxes increased a single dime. I repeat: Not one single dime." (President Obama, Address to Joint Session of Congress , 2/24/09)

However, ObamCare Raised Billions In New Taxes On Middle-Class Americans

BROKEN: PolitiFact Gives Obama A "False" For His Pledge Not To Raise Taxes On The Middle-Class, Exposing His Broken Promise. "Obama said, 'I didn't raise taxes once.' But we've documented numerous instances when he has. He's has signed off on small tax cuts for most taxpayers, but that doesn't change the fact that he's also approved several tax increases. So we rate his statement False." ("President Barack Obama Says He Didn't Raise Taxes Once," PolitiFact, 2/7/11)

PolitiFact: ObamaCare Raised Taxes On The Middle-Class. "The health care law that Obama signed on March 23, 2010, raises taxes on some things regardless of income. Two taxes in particular stand out. A tax on indoor tanning services begins this year. And in 2014, people will have to pay a fine, levied through their income taxes, if they don't have health insurance." (Angie Drobnic Holan, "Smokers, Tanning Aficionados, The Happily Uninsured: More Taxes Coming At Ya!" PolitiFact, 4/8/10)

The Wall Street Journal: "Obama Has Imposed The Largest Tax Increase In History On The Middle Class." "It is now undeniable that Mr. Obama has imposed the largest tax increase in history on the middle class. Individuals who don't buy insurance will have to pay several hundred dollars, depending on income. The Congressional Budget Office says that 76% of those who pay the mandate tax will make less than 500% of the federal poverty level, estimated to be $24,000 for a family of four in 2016. That means 76% of the payers will earn less than $120,000 a year." (Editorial, "It's Up To The Voters Now," The Wall Street Journal, 6/28/12)

ObamaCare's Individual Mandate Cost American Households $1.5 Billion In 2014. "This year was the first time the IRS collected the penalties, deducting them from taxpayers' refunds for the 2014 tax year in most cases. Some 7.5 million households paid penalties totaling $1.5 billion, an average of $200 apiece, according to preliminary IRS data." (Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, "Bigger Bite For Health Law Penalty On Uninsured," The Associated Press , 10/19/15)

OBAMA FAILED TO GROW THE MIDDLE-CLASS AND AMERICANS' INCOMES

PROMISE: Obama Said His Economic Policies Would "Grow Our Middle-Class" And "Strengthen Our Economy." OBAMA: "Over the course of this campaign, I've laid out a set of policies that will grow our middle-class and strengthen our economy in the long-term." (Senator Barack Obama, Remarks In Toledo, OH, 10/13/08)

Obama Said His Economic "Grow Family Incomes" And "Ease Those With Anxieties." OBAMA: "This plan will help ease those anxieties, and along with the other economic policies I've proposed, it will begin to create new jobs, grow family incomes, and put us back on the path to prosperity." (Senator Barack Obama, Remarks In Toledo, OH, 10/13/08)

Under Obama The Middle-Class Has Shrunk

BROKEN: The U.S. Middle Class "Has Shrunk To The Point Where It No Longer Constitutes The Majority Of The Adult Population." "The nation's middle class, long a pillar of the U.S. economy and foundation of the American dream, has shrunk to the point where it no longer constitutes the majority of the adult population, according to a new major study." (Don Lee, "Middle-Class Families, Pillar Of The American Dream, Are No Longer In The Majority, Study Finds," Los Angeles Times, 12/9/15)

The "Slow Recovery" Of The Clinton-Obama Economy Has "Shaken" The Image That Americans Have Of Identifying As Middle-Class. "Most Americans have traditionally identified themselves as middle class, even those at the top and bottom, reflecting a kind of cultural heritage tied to the American dream of self-reliance. But the Great Recession and subsequent slow recovery have shaken that image." (Don Lee, "Middle-Class Families, Pillar Of The American Dream, Are No Longer In The Majority, Study Finds," Los Angeles Times, 12/9/15)

Middle Class Jobs, That "Once Provided A Stable Living For Those With Less Education," Have "Been Replaced With Low-Wage Work." "But middle-skilled jobs, which once provided a stable living for those with less education, have been replaced with low-wage work. Occupations at the growing bottom earn less than $32,000 on average. Only one-third have health insurance and only one-quarter have retirement benefits." (Josh Zumbrun, "Post Recession Job Growth Coming In High-Wage Positions," The Wall Street Journal, 8/17/15)

"The Wallets Of America's Middle Class And Poorest Aren't Seeing Any Extra Money. " "The wallets of America's middle class and poorest aren't seeing any extra money, the U.S. Census reported Wednesday, a financial stagnation experts say may be fueling political dissent this campaign season." (Jesse J Holland, "Census: Income, Poverty Numbers Stay Just About The Same," ABC, 9/16/15)

Without Stronger U.S. Economic Growth The "Middle Class Could Shrink And Poor Would Be Even Worse Off." "What's at stake is the very future of America. Without faster growth the U.S. can't create enough jobs for those who want to them, and Americans will have to get used to much smaller increases in their paychecks. The middle class could shrink and poor would be even worse off." (Jeffry Bartash, "Go-Go Economy Becomes So-So Economy: U.S. Faces Dimmer Future Absent Big Fixes," MarketWatch, 8/4/15)

"Substantially Less Money" Is The New Norm Under Obama

BROKEN: American Household Incomes "Lost Ground" Last Year, In A Sign The U.S. Economic Expansion "Has Not Led To Gains For Many Americans" Since The End Of The 2007-2009 Recession. "American household incomes lost ground last year and the poverty rate ticked up, the U.S. Census Bureau said on Wednesday, in a sign the U.S. economic expansion has not led to gains for many Americans five years after the 2007-2009 recession." (Susan Heavey, "U.S. Household Incomes Slip, Poverty Rate Up Slightly In 2014," Reuters, 9/16/15)

The "Depressing Data" On Middle-Class Wages Is "True Across Almost All Groups Based On Race And Age." "The depressing data on middle-class wages is true across almost all groups based on race and age." (Neil Irwin, "Why Americans Still Think The Economy Is Terrible," The New York Times, 9/16/15)

The Median Household Income In The U.S. Fell $805, Or 1.5 Percent, From $54,462 In 2013 To $53,657 2014. (Census, Accessed 9/16/15)

During The Obama Administration, Median Household Income Has Fallen $1,656, From $55,313 In 2008 To $53,657 In 2014. (Census, Accessed 9/16/15)

The Recent Census Data Is The "Latest Sign" That The Economic Expansion "Has Done Little To Improve Living Standards For A Broad Swath Of The Nation." "Incomes in the U.S. edged lower in 2014, the latest sign an economic expansion that began five years earlier has done little to improve living standards for a broad swath of the nation." (Nick Timiraos, "U.S. Income Edged Lower In 2014," The Wall Street Journal, 9/16/15)

Middle-Income American Families "Make Substantially Less Money" In Inflation Adjusted Terms Than Years Ago, And "There Is No Evidence That Is Reversing." "A middle-income American family, in other words, makes substantially less money in inflation-adjusted terms than it did 15 years ago. And there is no evidence that is reversing." (Neil Irwin, "Why Americans Still Think The Economy Is Terrible," The New York Times, 9/16/15)

OBAMA BROKE HIS PROMISE TO ALLOW AMERICANS TO KEEP THEIR PLANS AND LOWER COSTS UNDER OBAMACARE

PROMISE: Obama Promised That "If You've Got A Health Care Plan That You Like, You Can Keep It." " Barack Obama defended his health care plan during a debate in Nashville, Tenn., on Oct. 7, 2008. His opponents have attacked his plan as 'government-run' health care. 'No. 1, let me just repeat, if you've got a health care plan that you like, you can keep it,' Obama said. 'All I'm going to do is help you to lower the premiums on it. You'll still have choice of doctor.'" (Angie Drobinic Holan, "Obama's Plan Expands Existing System," PolitiFact, 10/9/08)

PROMISE: Obama Promised His Plan Would "Bring Down Costs For The Entire Country By Making Our Health Care System More Efficient Through Better Technology And More Emphasis On Prevention." OBAMA: "My plan would not only guarantee that every uninsured American could get the same kind of health care that Members of Congress give themselves, it would bring down premiums by $2500 for the typical family, and bring down costs for the entire country by making our health care system more efficient through better technology and more emphasis on prevention." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks Of Senator Barack Obama Economic Roundtable With Democratic Governors, Chicago, IL, 6/20/08)

PROMISE: As A Candidate, Obama Promised That His Health Reforms Would Save American Families $2,500 By The End Of His First Term. OBAMA: "If you are ready for change, then we can stop talking about the outrage of 47 million people without health insurance and start doing something about it. I've put forward a plan that says everybody will have the same health care if they want it that I have as a member of Congress, that you can't be excluded for pre-existing conditions, we'll negotiate with the drug companies for the cheapest available prices. If you're 25 or younger you can stay on your parents' health insurance. If you've got health insurance, we're going to work with you to lower your premiums by $2500 per family per year. And we will not wait 20 years from now to do it or 10 years from now to do it. We will do it by the end of my first term as president of the United States of America." (Senator Barack Obama, Remarks At Campaign Event, Columbus, OH, 2/27/08)

Obama's Promise That American's Could Keep Their Healthcare Plans Was Named The 2013 Lie Of The Year

BROKEN: Politifact Rated Obama's Promise Of "If You Like Your Plan You Can Keep Your Plan" The 2013 Lie Of The Year. "For all of these reasons, PolitiFact has named 'If you like your health care plan, you can keep it,' the Lie of the Year for 2013. Readers in a separate online poll overwhelmingly agreed with the choice." (Angie Drobnic Holan, "Lie Of The Year: 'If You Like Your Health Care Plan, You Can Keep It,'" PolitiFact, 12/12/13)

Americans Found Out That Obama's "Keep Your Plan" Promise Is Just Not True. "President Barack Obama promised over and over during the health care debate that 'if you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan.' It turns out that, for a lot of people, that isn't true." (David Nather, "4 Hard Truths Of Health Care Reform," Politico, 3/16/12)

Medicare Chief Actuary Richard Foster Said That It Was "Not True In All Cases" That People Would Be Able To Keep Their Coverage If They Wanted To. "Foster was asked by Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Calif., for a simple true or false response on two of the main assertions made by supporters of the law: that it will bring down unsustainable medical costs and will let people keep their current health insurance if they like it. On the costs issue, 'I would say false, more so than true,' Foster responded. As for people getting to keep their coverage, 'not true in all cases.'" ("Medicare Official Doubts Health Care Law Savings," The Associated Press, 1/26/11)

Despite Obama's Promises, Health Costs And Premiums Continue To Increase

BROKEN: In 2014, Health Care Spending In The United States Grew At A Rate Of 5.3 Percent To $3.0 Trillion, Or $9,523 Per Person." "A new analysis from the Office of the Actuary at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimates that in 2014, health care spending in the United States grew at a rate of 5.3 percent to $3.0 trillion, or $9,523 per person. The previous five years saw historically low growth, which averaged 3.7 percent; in 2013, growth was 2.9 percent." (Lucy Larner, "Health Affairs Web First: National Health Spending Growth Accelerates In 2014," Health Affairs Blog, 12/2/15)

"Over The Next Decade, Health Care Costs Are Expected To Rise By 5.8 Percent Annually." "Health care spending is rising at a faster clip than at any time since the Great Recession, with costs ticking up by 5.5 percent in 2014, CMS announced Tuesday. Over the next decade, health care costs are expected to rise by 5.8 percent annually, according to the agency's latest projections. The growth in spending is being driven by the coverage expansion provisions of the Affordable Care Act, the continuing economic recovery and a population that's steadily aging." (Paul Demko, "Health Care Spending Again Accelerating," Politico, 7/28/15)

Obama Administration: Premiums Expected To Rise 7.5 Percent In 2016. "No matter how you slice the numbers, Obamacare premiums will rise significantly next year. The Obama administration estimates rates will rise 7.5 percent in 2016, compared with 2 percent in 2015." (Sarah Kliff, "Why Obamacare Premiums Are Spiking In 2016," Vox, 12/14/15)

FactCheck.org: ObamaCare "Falls Short Of Making Health Care 'Affordable And Available To Every Single American,' As Promised." "Furthermore, the law falls short of making health care 'affordable and available to every single American,' as promised. The law provides subsidies to help some Americans buy insurance, expands Medicaid and doesn't allow insurance companies to exclude persons with preexisting conditions. But still, the director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projected 23 million persons will remain uninsured - some because they can't afford coverage." (D'Angelo Gore, "Promises, Promises," Fact Check.org, 1/4/12)

OBAMA FAILED TO MAKE IMMIGRATION A TOP PRIORITY AND PASS COMPREHENSIVE REFORM IN HIS FIRST YEAR

PROMISE : In 2008, Obama Said He Would Make Immigration A "Top Priority." OBAMA: "And I will make it a top priority in my first year as President -- not just because we need to secure our borders and get control of who comes into our country. And not just because we have to crack down on employers abusing undocumented immigrants. But because we have to finally bring those 12 million people out of the shadows." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At National Council Of La Raza, San Diego, CA, 7/13/08)

PROMISE : Then-Sen. Obama Promised To Make Immigration Reform A Priority In His First Year As President. "I marched with you in the streets of Chicago to meet our immigration challenge. I fought with you in the Senate for comprehensive immigration reform. And I will make it a top priority in my first year as President -- not only because we have an obligation to secure our borders and get control of who comes in and out of our country. And not only because we have to crack down on employers who are abusing undocumented immigrants instead of hiring citizens. But because we have to finally bring undocumented immigrants out of the shadows. Yes, they broke the law. And they should have to pay a fine, and learn English, and go to the back of the line. That's how we'll put them on a pathway to citizenship." (Sen. Barack Obama, " Remarks Before The League of United Latin American Citizens In Washington DC ," 7/08/08)

Obama's Promise To Pass Immigration Reform In His First Year Was Rated A "Broken Promise"

BROKEN: PolitiFact Rated Obama's Promise To Enact Comprehensive Immigration Reform In His First Year In Office As "Promise Broken." "Obama promised to strongly support a comprehensive immigration reform bill that would be introduced during his first year in office. As president, he has repeatedly called for reform and several immigration-related bills are pending in Congress. But we're well into the second year of Obama's presidency, and all that we've seen are proposals and frameworks, no actual bills. Unless the White House has a time machine that we don't know about, this is a Promise Broken." (Lucas Pleva, "No Big Push In First Year," PolitiFact, 8/13/10)

Latino Activists Criticized The Obama Administration For Failing To Address Immigration. "Obama administration officials ventured to the Inland Empire on Saturday for a policy summit with Latinos, getting an earful from residents stung by the region's flattened economy and critical of Washington's failure to reform the nation's immigration system. The daylong meeting at UC Riverside, one of a series that have been held across the country, included free-flowing policy bull sessions and presentations by White House representatives touting President Obama's proposed jobs bills and record on healthcare, education funding and immigration. The crowd filled a cavernous auditorium and included Latino activists, business owners, teachers and other residents - most of whom said they came to be heard rather than listen to speeches." (Phil Willon, "White House Scolded At Inland Empire Summit With Latinos," Los Angeles Times, 11/6/11)

Obama Campaigned On Both The DREAM ACT And Comprehensive Immigration Reform, But Latinos Have Been Waiting For The "Reform" Part Of That Promise. "Obama campaigned on both the DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform in 2008. Latinos have waited for the "reform" part of that promise, while the administration stepped up border security and deportations." (Allison Sherry, "White House Crafts Immigration-Reform Strategy," The Denver Post, 5/10/11)

"Obama campaigned on both the DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform in 2008. Latinos have waited for the "reform" part of that promise, while the administration stepped up border security and deportations." (Allison Sherry, "White House Crafts Immigration-Reform Strategy," The Denver Post, 5/10/11) Many Hispanics Have Become "Disillusioned" With Obama, "Hit Hard By The Sluggish Economic Recovery And Disappointed By Unfulfilled Promises." "Hispanics voted for Obama by a 2-to-1 margin in 2008. But many have since become disillusioned, hit hard by the sluggish economic recovery and disappointed by unfulfilled promises to improve policies affecting millions of legal and illegal immigrants and their families, community leaders say." (Devin Dwyer, "President Obama To Highlight Immigration Reform In Speech At U.S-Mexico Border," ABC News, 5/10/11)

"Hispanics voted for Obama by a 2-to-1 margin in 2008. But many have since become disillusioned, hit hard by the sluggish economic recovery and disappointed by unfulfilled promises to improve policies affecting millions of legal and illegal immigrants and their families, community leaders say." (Devin Dwyer, "President Obama To Highlight Immigration Reform In Speech At U.S-Mexico Border," ABC News, 5/10/11) Mario Lopez, Head Of The Hispanic Leadership Fund: "Obama Has Run Opposite Of What He Said He Would Do." "Mario Lopez, head of the Washington, D.C.-based Hispanic Leadership Fund, agrees with Steinlight ... up to a point. 'Obama has run opposite of what he said he would do [on immigration]. There have been record numbers of deportations on his watch,' Lopez said." (Kenric Ward, "Barack Obama's Hispanic Support Erodes, Cutting His Edge In Florida,"Sunshine State News, 11/29/11)

"Mario Lopez, head of the Washington, D.C.-based Hispanic Leadership Fund, agrees with Steinlight ... up to a point. 'Obama has run opposite of what he said he would do [on immigration]. There have been record numbers of deportations on his watch,' Lopez said." (Kenric Ward, "Barack Obama's Hispanic Support Erodes, Cutting His Edge In Florida,"Sunshine State News, 11/29/11) Immigration Activists Are Making Sure Obama's Broken Promise Is Not Forgotten Or Forgiven. "And that comment is, to the Latino community, a key broken promise. Ramos, for one, is making certain it's not forgotten, and that the administration pays for breaking it." (Ezra Klein, "Wonkbook: Obama's Belated Immigration Push," The Washington Post , 5/9/11)

"And that comment is, to the Latino community, a key broken promise. Ramos, for one, is making certain it's not forgotten, and that the administration pays for breaking it." (Ezra Klein, "Wonkbook: Obama's Belated Immigration Push," The Washington Post , 5/9/11) "Immigration Is 'Clearly An Area Where The President Overpromised And Underdelivered,' Said Lillian Rodríguez López, The President Of The Hispanic Federation, Who Is Also Chairwoman Of The Leadership Coalition." (Julia Preston, "Hispanic Organizations Give Obama And Congress A C," The New York Times' " The Caucus" 8/10/11)

OBAMA FAILED TO "NAIL SHUT" THE REVOLVING DOOR OF LOBBYISTS WORKING IN HIS ADMINISTRATION

PROMISE: Freezing Out Lobbyists And Nailing Shut The Revolving Door Was "Central To The Narrative Animating [Obama's] 2008 Campaign. "The vow of a novice Chicago senator to freeze out lobbyists and nail shut the revolving door was no throwaway line in Barack Obama's stump speech. It was central to the narrative animating his 2008 campaign: a promise of wholesale change to business as usual in Washington." (Josh Gerstein, "How Obama Failed To Shut Washington's Revolving Door," Politico , 12/31/15)

The Obama Administration Says Their Visitor Logs Are "A Breakthrough In Transparency." "Obama's administration has touted its release of White House visitors logs as a breakthrough in transparency, as the first White House team ever to reveal the comings and goings around the West Wing and the Old Executive Office Building." (Chris Frates, "White House Meets Lobbyists Off Campus," Politico, 2/24/11)

In His 2011 State Of The Union Address, Obama Called On Congress "To Do What The White House Has Already Done" And Put Meetings With Lobbyists Online. "Indeed, during the State of the Union address Obama derided the 'parade of lobbyists [that] has rigged the tax code to benefit particular companies and industries.' And, because the public deserves to know when its elected officials are talking to lobbyists, he called on 'Congress to do what the White House has already done - put that information online.'" (Chris Frates, "White House Meets Lobbyists Off Campus," Politico, 2/24/11)

Not Only Does Obama Administration EmployMore Than 70 Previously Registered Lobbyists, It Has Failed To Extend His Revolving Door Provisions To The Entire Executive Branch

BROKEN: For Almost Seven Years, Obama Has Not Changed The Lobbying Provisions At "The Core Of The Revolving-Door Provisions" And Has Made No Effort To Extend That Pledge To A Larger Swath Of The Executive Branch. "Aside from Obama's ethics pledge, nearly seven years into Obama's presidency, there's been no change to the core of the revolving-door provisions in federal law and no effort to extend that pledge to a larger swath of the executive branch. So, was the anti-lobbying push a real attempt to change Washington, or just the right thing to say at the time?" (Josh Gerstein, "How Obama Failed To Shut Washington's Revolving Door," Politico, 12/31/15)

The Obama Administration Has Hired More Than 70 Previously Registered Lobbyists. " The Obama administration has hired more than 70 previously registered lobbyists, according to a 2014 POLITICO review, and watched many officials circle through that revolving door, as Obama's lobbying policy was weakened by major loopholes and a loss of focus over time. What's more, the current laws around lobbying, which the administration measures were built on, simply ignore many instances observers would regard as lobbying - and the White House never pressed for changes to those laws." (Josh Gerstein, "How Obama Failed To Shut Washington's Revolving Door," Politico, 12/31/15)

Obama's 2009 Executive Order Regarding Lobbying And The White House Created A "Huge Loophole." "The executive order he signed in 2009 declared: ''Lobby' and 'lobbied' shall mean to act or have acted as a registered lobbyist.' Because the registration requirement kicks in only when a person spends 20 percent or more of his or her time directly lobbying, many people whose jobs involve trying to influence public policy - but who don't technically 'lobby' for most of that time - manage not to register. 'That actually is a huge loophole. It's a Mack truck,' says Kathleen Clark, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis who specializes in government ethics." (Josh Gerstein, "How Obama Failed To Shut Washington's Revolving Door," Politico, 12/31/15)

OBAMA BROKE HIS PROMISE TO BRING BOTH PARTIES TOGETHER TO ENACT A BIPARTISAN AGENDA

PROMISE: Obama: "I Will Continue To Seek Common Ground In The Weeks Ahead. If You Come To Me With A Serious Set Of Proposals, I Will Be There To Listen. My Door Is Always Open." (Barack Obama, Remarks To A Joint Session Of Congress On Health Care , Washington, DC, 9/9/09)

June 22, 2007: Obama Complained That The Bush White House Was The "Most Politicized White House In History And The American People Have Suffered As A Result." OBAMA: "This has been the most politicized White House in history, and the American people have suffered as a result. Presidents obviously want to surround themselves with those who share their views and their beliefs, but the days of firing eight qualified U.S. attorneys because of their politics is over. The days of using the White House as another arm of the Republican National Committee are over." (Barack Obama, "Taking Our Government Back," Manchester, NH, 6/22/07)

PROMISE: Obama Pledged To "Turn The Page On The Ugly Partisanship In Washington So We Can Bring Democrats And Republicans Together To Pass An Agenda That Works For The American People." OBAMA: "After decades -- after decades of steady work across the aisle, I know he'll be able to help me turn the page on the ugly partisanship in Washington so we can bring Democrats and Republicans together to pass an agenda that works for the American people." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Campaign Event,, Springfield, IL, 8/23/08)

Obama Broke His Promise Of Bipartisanship

BROKEN: FactCheck.org: "It's Simply A Fact That The President Failed At 'Bringing Democrats And Republicans Together.'" "To be sure, the president did sign the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law in 2010, but it wasn't enacted by 'bringing Democrats and Republicans together.' The bill passed the Senate on Dec. 24, 2009, by a vote of 60-39, without any Republicans voting for it. And when the House passed its version of the bill almost three months later, by a vote of 219-212, it too garnered no support from Republicans. We won't offer any opinion about whether one side is more to blame than the other for that, but it's simply a fact that the president failed at 'bringing Democrats and Republicans together.'" (D'Angelo Gore, "Promises, Promises," FactCheck.org, 1/4/12)

Politifact Has Rated Obama's Promise Of Greater Bipartisanship As Broken. "Here at the Obameter, though, we measure outcomes, not intentions. Obama said he would 'bring Democrats and Republicans together to pass an agenda.' That hasn't happened. We rate this Promise Broken." (J.B. Wogan, "Record-Setting Partisan Divide,"Politifact , 8/31/12)

Ray LaHood, Obama's First Secretary Of Transportation, Called The President's Foray Into Bipartisanship A "Failure." "When President Obama first won the White House, he recruited Ray LaHood, a Republican congressman, to join his cabinet. The appointment, Mr. Obama said, 'reflects that bipartisan spirit' that would distinguish his presidency. Seven years later and now out of office, Mr. LaHood has concluded that the opposite turned out to be true. Rather than reflecting the bipartisan spirit of the Obama presidency, Mr. LaHood said his appointment as secretary of transportation came to reflect its failure." (Peter Baker, "Promised Bipartisanship, Obama Adviser Found Disappointment," The New York Times, 11/11/15)

LaHood: "I Do Not Believe The White House Ever Committed Fully To A Genuine Bipartisan Approach To Policy Making." "'I do not believe the White House ever committed fully to a genuine bipartisan approach to policy making, despite the president's words to the contrary,' Mr. LaHood wrote in the book, which he produced with Frank H. Mackaman." (Peter Baker, "Promised Bipartisanship, Obama Adviser Found Disappointment," The New York Times , 11/11/15)

Obama Has Polled As The Most Polarizing President

BROKEN: CNN Headline: "Obama Most Polarizing President In Modern History" (Alexandra Jaffe, "Obama Most Polarizing President In Modern History," CNN, 2/6/15)

Each Of Obama's Six Years In Office Have Ranked In The Top 10 Most Polarized Years Since 1953. "Gallup found that over Obama's sixth year in office, an average of 79% of Democrats and just 9% of Republicans approved of the job he was doing, in a report out Friday... But his tenure has been one of the most polarizing overall of any modern president. Each of his six years in office have ranked in the top 10 most polarized since 1953, with President George W. Bush taking the other four slots." (Alexandra Jaffe, "Obama Most Polarizing President In Modern History," CNN, 2/6/15)

As Obama's Presidency Comes To A Close, He Leaves The Electorate As "Polarized And Partisan As Any In Recent Memory." "Seven years after Barack Obama promised to break down the barriers of partisanship that have defined the past two decades of American politics, there's ample evidence to suggest that the experiment has failed and the electorate in 2016 will be as polarized and partisan as any in recent memory." (Chris Cillizza, "President Obama Promised To End Our Partisan Divide. It Hasn't Worked." The Washington Post , 4/1/15)

"Partisanship In Washington Appears To Have Been A Bridge Too Far For Even Obama." "But remember that Obama specifically cast himself as someone who could solve unsolvable problems, someone whose entire life was premised on the idea of bridging gaps people said couldn't be bridged… But, polarization in the country and partisanship in Washington appears to have been a bridge too far for even Obama." (Chris Cillizza, "President Obama Promised To End Our Partisan Divide. It Hasn't Worked." The Washington Post , 4/1/15)

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