John Boehner to Republicans: Be 'Respectful' And Attend Obama's Jobs Speech

WASHINGTON -- House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) said Thursday that his Republican colleagues "ought to be respectful" and attend President Barack Obama's address to Congress later in the evening, despite the vows of some in his party to boycott the speech for political reasons.

"The president is coming at our invitation," Boehner told reporters. "We ought to be respectful and we ought to welcome him."

Boehner said he has been encouraging his colleagues to attend Obama's speech, during which the president will roll out his much-anticipated package of new job creation proposals. Obama "is the president of the United States," Boehner said, "and I believe that all members ought to be here and do this."

But, he added, just because he wants members of the House of Representatives to attend doesn't mean they will.

"I’m just the speaker," he said. "You've got 434 colleagues who have their own opinions, and they're entitled to them."

A number of Republicans are making a point not to attend Obama's address in protest of his economic policies.

"Instead of being a prop of another one of the President's speeches, next Thursday I will fly home to IL to talk to real job creators #tcot," Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) tweeted last week.

"If [Obama] sent a written proposal over first, I would go hear him explain it, but frankly right now I’m so frustrated I don’t think I’m going to go,” Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) told ABC News on Monday.

“I can’t imagine too many Americans wanting to hear another speech with no real plan attached,” DeMint said.

Other Republicans who have said they won't attend include Rep. Ron Paul (Texas), who is also one of Obama's GOP presidential challengers, and Rep. Paul Broun (Ga.). Instead, Broun said he plans to watch the speech from his congressional office, where he'll be hosting a live town-hall meeting via Twitter.

Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) initially said he would skip the speech to host a football season opener party with family and friends, but on Thursday he said he had no choice but to stick around for the address because of the way Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) had scheduled votes for the day.

"Typical Harry Reid. He's now schdld votes that should’ve been this morn 4 right b4 & right AFTER prez's speech. Pens me in 2 have 2 stay," Vitter tweeted.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney called it "regrettable" that some are skipping Obama's address for purely political reasons.

"The president is addressing a joint session of Congress to talk about the economy, the American economy -- the need to grow the economy and to create jobs," Carney said during a Tuesday briefing. "I think that's a goal shared by Republicans of all political persuasions."

Comments

[wrabbitt]

11:03 AM on 09/10/2011

Boehner know that seniors and the middle class are starting to line up on the opposite side of the road he is.

[john rajah]

11:25 PM on 09/09/2011

You have to teach some Republicans basic courtesy

[demonje]

02:33 PM on 09/09/2011

They better be careful what they pray for-cuts,cuts,cuts! Think about the fires all around you, how are the naysayers home areas doing. Would you like a little more help from the fire dept? If you don't, I hope you have a long hose and a lot of help from that bunch!

[Barry Harper]

12:36 PM on 09/09/2011

It all starts with the youth when your in a fast food place and they just dump your change in your hand .Either their to dump to count it or haven't been taught any respect or both .The lack of respect is every where ..When someone shows me respect I fall all over them thanking them,because it's so rare .

[Katesloc]

11:50 AM on 09/09/2011

I've been reading the comments and with all the jibes and chides you all sound like the people you are complaining about in the article. Just sayin.'

[Douglas Tripp]

09:20 AM on 09/09/2011

"ought to be respectful"The man couldn't even stand up much less clap.That is RUDE!

[spicegal]

06:27 AM on 09/09/2011

It also shows just how little interest the GOP has in working with the president to help our country's economic recovery. What a bunch of ill bred rude children.

[spicegal]

06:22 AM on 09/09/2011

It's a rather sad statement that he'd have to remind them to behave like civilized adults by showing proper respect and decorum to the President of the U.S. The GOP is pathetic. Is that what the P stands for?

[Tnlaw]

11:09 PM on 09/08/2011

Maybe Joe Walsh really had to fly home to make a child support payment......except that he won't pay them.

[Okey Umez]

11:07 PM on 09/08/2011

Any representative, who has to be told to be respectful of the office of the Presidency, does not belong in the peoples house.

[OhMyBoehner]

11:04 PM on 09/08/2011

Play nicie nicie little republican children!

[imax5]

10:33 PM on 09/08/2011

Finally the President made a few direct shots at the Republicans,I especially liked the one about how they PLEDGED no tax increase,and how STUPID that pledge was (in so many words} I however feel that the medicare cuts he talked about was simply to once again appease the tea baggers and the republicants! Cuts have alreadty been made since the President took office,to cut any more is morally wrong for all the people who need this because they do not have the means to pay ,I am precisely talking about the Seniors,if more cuts come ,then I think Congress should ALSO have beneifits cut all across the board!

[gettkins]

10:29 PM on 09/08/2011

A 100 years from now, when the recorded events of years about President Barack Obama and the disrespect from the Republican Party, Americans will be overwhelmed !
I could not believe the ignorant Republican Congress persons, who voted for these people to be in Congress, I know I did not vote for Republicans in this Congress of America !
The think the FBI should check out the Registrered Voters who voted for these Republican Clowns, Hollywood could not have made a movie of the ridiculous behavior of the Tea Party Republicans in Congress.

[OhMyBoehner]

10:29 PM on 09/08/2011

daddy boehner also said to his little 2 year old republicans to say "please" and "thank you"!

Don't the little republican children make you want to puke?

[gettkins]

09:47 PM on 09/08/2011

The Tea Party Republicans protest Taxes, but here is how the Super Mega Wealth of America live that do not want to pay their fair share of IRS Taxes ;
Goat and Lamb Leather Hand Bag = Cost, $2,940.
Lace Dress = $4,200.
Slim-Leg Trousers for women = $1,149.
Leather and other fabric Mixture Skirt= $4,400.
Woman's Suit: Jacket =$1,395. Top =$495. Skirt $695
Oversize square scarf = $450.
Knit sweater= $1,390.
Lamb Leather Coat =$25,000. purchase at Fur Salon
Evening jumpsuit =$6,910.
38 mm automatic watch =$16,700.
There are Registered American Voters that can Identify with this as their life $$$$$$ income to live like this, please vote for your paycheck and continue to be happy and enjoy yourself.
Blessed your wealth and health and be comfortable !