Obama downplays expectations of GOP support
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/27/art.obamaradio.gj.jpg caption="Obama met with House and Senate Republicans Tuesday."](CNN) - President Obama seemed to lower expectations Tuesday on how many Republicans he expects to vote for his stimulus package, telling CNN Radio he's not sure even 50 percent of GOP caucus will support the bill when it comes to a vote.
“We're not going to get 100 percent agreement, and we might not even get 50 percent agreement, but I do think people appreciate me walking them through my thought process on this," Obama told CNN Radio's Bob Constantini.
"I hope I've communicated a sincere desire to get good ideas from everybody. And my attitude is that this is the first major piece of legislation we've been working on the Hill, and over time some of these habits of consultation and mutual respect will take over. But, you know, old habits die hard."
LISTEN to the full interview
He doesn't need to downplay it. We all know they are going to be obstructionists.
They want Democrats to fail and the Republican power back to push PNAC.
Those that care about America will help. The others are either obstructionist or controled by lobbing money. Do what you have to President Obama, we will supprot your efforts.
The GOP needs to get its act together and support the stimulus package. Oh, yeah, they're to bozos, with all their deregulation and flaunting of the Constitution, that got our country into this mess in the first place! Guess I shouldn't expect them to suddenly grow brains and do what's right for once!
You would be Useless with them: Obama... The Dems don't have much... Just You! Not Forgetting your "BlackBerry"...
The Brain of a SMALL ELECTRONIC COMPONENT.... In any BlackBerry.. Barack Obama...
Since the repubs only know how to repeat the "lower taxes" mantra over and over as though if they say it long enough it will be true.
Repubs have had 8 years of trickle down economics by cutting taxes for the rich and coporations that would create jobs, and look where that has gotten the citizens of the United States. So, either come up with something else to submit as a solution or get out of the way!
Remind the repubs that 11/4/08 was a mandate for change, that includes the old cut taxes mantra which has not worked to date and repubs have adhered to for so long.
Will this person never disappear? She needs to stay in Alaska where she belongs.
We the people need to stand together now and tell our elected officials we want action and not politics as usual and make ever official who plays politics over these very important issues pay at their next election. Enough of this partisan/ideology junk. Those republicans who do not want to get on board then leave them at the station.
I have NO expectations of the GOP to do anything meaningful or significant and haven't had any for over a decade!
The only expectation I could possibly have for the GOP is that if they ever take control of our Government again... I can expect them to run our nation into the ditch again.
Yeah, Republicans, why don't you give him the same support the Democrats always gave President Bush? Oh, wait ... that was ZERO
And saying, "I won" to the GOP falls where, in the win friends and influence people catagory?
Why isn't anyone saying this – "A tax cut doesn't help if you don't have a JOB.
Obama's plan to create 4MM jobs is way more forward.
Old habits die hard? How about "you can't teach an old dog new tricks"??? The GOP has proven themselves to be old dogs time and time again and they plan on proving it again with this bill. It's tTime to pull off the kidd gloves and grab the gauntlets if you ask me.
Here's the difference between Obama and bush.
Obama is willing to meet and listen to the opposition. He may not do what they want, but he reaches across the aisle.
Bush told the minority to go F themselves.
Maybe so but does dreams!!!!! We had hoped to retire and enjoy life somewhat, but now cannot. Perhaps if it were put to a vote to the people and by the people, we would soon see what is best for our country!!!!
All the president can do is to continue to present his ideas, establish himself as someone the opposition could do business with if they would, and get on with the business he wants to do.
It wouldn't surprise me if the Republicans discover that their intransigence has consequences, though. If they won't compromise, the president shouldn't be expected to retain the measures he proposed to attract their support, should he? If the Republicans won't work with the administration, the ideas they're pushing should get dropped from the proposed legislation. History has proven that tax cuts are useless in a stimulus package, anyway.
You can get good ideas from anywhere. It is whether you intently listen and act upon them that matters.
That's right...."old habits die hard." Keep doing your thing Obama. Nothing will come easy, or quick. I love the fact that we have a President that sets realistic expectations, and doesn't shy away from changing how Washington is run. Of course there will be doubters, but that's normal whenever new approaches are exercised. Not everyone will agree on all things, but at least Obama seeks out ideas from different sides.
BB-
Voting "no" based on real substantive disagreement is not "obstructionism."
Get your head out.
I don't agree with most of the ideas in Obama's stimulus package but I do find it refreshing that he actually explained his thought process to all in the house. That is one place that Obama has a great advantage, he is an excellent communicator and I respect that about him.
Let him downplay it all he wants. The Republicans are playing it smart. If they climb aboard and something goes wrong, somehow the Democrats will blame them for it. I'm beginning to think that is the only reason there is a Republican party...a scapegoat for the Democrats.
Besides, word has it that this is simply a diversion of his, as many of the Blue Dog Democrats aren't climbing on board either.
And what is with the photo...are we supposed to get a subliminal message from the radiating lines above his head?
Yes, the Republicans all need to get voted out in 2010, 2012, etc. They all think the U.S. should be back in the 1950s, complete with segregation, and that we should all be giving money to Sarah PAC.
Let them obstruct. The public voted for Democratic party principles and ideals the last two elections. When the economy turns, and they stood in the way, it will soon be three in 2010.
all that is needed is just a couple strong and 'truly' independent thinkers on the other side to break what is sure to be a filibuster threat.
But America is engaged and watching. (perhaps because so many of us have lost jobs and homes, and pensions under the last president).
Let them obstruct. we are watching.
That's cool.. It just means they lose more seats in 2010.. I am ready to start campainging against any republican running.. I am seeking every member of every church in the Dallas / Fort Worth area to get to work on unseating as many republicans as possible... We can do it... We just voted in the first black president.. We can get the rest of them outta there y'all.
We all support the New President and can only hope that those from the Republican side DO NOT become obstructionists. The American People are looking for HELP not POLITICS as usual from elected Washington Officials. This Congress faces elections in two years and either side can see a backlash. The point is : Better to get in trouble for doing SOMETHING than getting in trouble for doing NOTHING. EASY TO POINT FINGERS OF NEGATIVISM THAN OFFER SOLUTIONS. Seems to me that a lot of tax breaks for the average person really has little meaning if you do not have a job to enjoy them ?? With all do respect the average American could care less about a politicians career when we are concerned about our own!! NO MORE CHICKEN DODO ..........just do your jobs. We the voters will determine how you did when we cast our votes.