SOTU Fact Check: Obama Lies About Lobbyists

Meredith Jessup | January 27, 2010 10:53 PM

Tonight, President Obama said,

To close that credibility gap we must take action on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue to end the outsized influence of lobbyists; to do our work openly; and to give our people the government they deserve.

That's what I came to Washington to do. That's why - for the first time in history - my Administration posts our White House visitors online. And that's why we've excluded lobbyists from policy-making jobs or seats on federal boards and commissions."

There was an audible rumble in the House chamber when he delivered this very FALSE statement. Here's a short list, via HotAir:

Eric Holder, was registered to lobby until 2004 on behalf of clients including Global Crossing, a bankrupt telecommunications firm [now confirmed].

Tom Vilsack, was registered to lobby as recently as last year on behalf of the National Education Association.

William Lynn, was registered to lobby as recently as last year for defense contractor Raytheon, where he was a top executive.

William Corr, was registered to lobby until last year for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, a non-profit that pushes to limit tobacco use.

David Hayes, was registered to lobby until 2006 for clients, including the regional utility San Diego Gas & Electric.

Mark Patterson, was registered to lobby as recently as last year for financial giant Goldman Sachs.

Ron Klain, was registered to lobby until 2005 for clients, including the Coalition for Asbestos Resolution, U.S. Airways, Airborne Express and drug-maker ImClone.

Mona Sutphen, was registered to lobby for clients, including Angliss International in 2003.

Melody Barnes, lobbied in 2003 and 2004 for liberal advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the American Constitution Society and the Center for Reproductive Rights.

Cecilia Munoz, was a lobbyist as recently as last year for the National Council of La Raza, a Hispanic advocacy group.

Patrick Gaspard, was a lobbyist for the Service Employees International Union.

Michael Strautmanis, lobbied for the American Association of Justice from 2001 until 2005.

Where was Rep. Joe "You Lie!" Wilson when we needed him??