Obama Stimulus Plan Shared In Gibbs Interview

Robert Gibbs, Obama's designated press secretary, conducted a short radio interview on Sunday, in which he insisted that any forthcoming stimulus package would fund programs that were immediately operative and not long-term investments.

"When he met with the governors a few weeks ago, they were very much wanting his help in making sure that we were cutting through red tape and the projects that we are looking to fund are, as the governors said, shovel ready," Gibbs said. "They are not into projects that have to sit on the shelf for a long time, but, instead are projects that can be funded and put people back to work immediately. That is what is key for an economic stimulus plan."

The remarks aren't politically surprising. There is little will in the political world for planning far down the road. Moreover, the Obama administration has stated its intent to spend, regardless of the deficit, in order to get the economy moving again.

But what is interesting about Gibbs' remark is how cognizant it is of the financial wave the Obama team is up against. In pure economic terms, things are likely get much worse before they get better. On Sunday night, "60 Minutes" touched on the incoming round of new home foreclosures that are likely to result from a bump in interest rates.

Making matters worse, the Obama team is unlikely to have many partners in confronting this task. State governments are in as bad -- if not worse -- shape than their federal counterpart. Already, bitter pills are being swallowed. In New York, on Monday, Gov. David A. Paterson is set to propose a $4 billion package of taxes and fees on a whole host of non-essential items. The Empire State's deficit has ballooned to $15 billion. In California, the budget crisis could extend to $40 billion.

With local politicians unable to help much, the Obama team is left with virtually no margin for error. The stimulus package is not a silver bullet -- nor has the incoming president claimed it to be one. Obama has stated on several occasions that he expects economic struggles to continue into the early years of his administration. But the economic gurus on his staff seem to understand that any money spent must be done wisely and with the promise of strong returns.

Comments

[VOTER]

It has to be said each and every time.

This country has been robbed by Bush.
So when talking about President Obama's plans and difficulties
implementing them, the reason must be given - ROBBED BY BUSH.

[William1950]

I am afraid that any projects will be too little too late... it is better than nothing, but we are going to have to "dig" ourselves out of this mess. cut up your credit cards... pay cash or use a debit card... and demand that any bailouts go directly to the people directly..­.

[microcosm]

A Florida Appeals court ruled, deciding in Fox's favor, there is absolutely nothing illegal about lying, concealing or distorting information by a major press organization.
The attorneys for Fox, successfully argued the First Amendment gives broadcasters the right to lie or deliberately distort news reports on the public airwaves.

News distortion ok'd

http://FixNewsNow.org

[johnie2xs]

The Repuglican Party is going to prove itself to be an equal opportunity destroyer, as the minority, as well as they did in the majority. In there attempts to play down any beneficial affects of these "shovel ready" projects, they try to depict the move as just another attempt on Obama's part to favor his blue collar and union base. Well DUH !!! Those are the people who have been hurting the most for the longest. Except for the Dot Com bubble, of a few years ago that affected white collar workers, the average working man has been taking it on the chin since Papa Reagan, the union buster, walked amongst us. Now that this depression (Yes, that's the operative term) is upon us, there is no single silver bullet that will bring all class of workers up simultaneously. In fact, if the right wing got up off their duffs, maybe they could convince the banks to get off the dime (literally) and ease the credit markets. That in and of itself would do more towards bettering the situation we're in, than almost anything.
In the event that there are any Repuglicans, out there, who truly do "Put Country First", maybe they can impress upon their Repuglican Legislators, to get with the program and help, rather than hinder, the process ahead.

[45245]

oh hell no......i want obstruction to occur.....­.....that way bo's policies may never come into play

[johnie2xs]

Obstruction ! Really ! So you think the continuation of the Bush policies is the way to go ?
Explain yourself, if you would. Opposition is fine, but opposition for it's own sake is obstructionism and totally counterproductive. Is that your stance? Stay the course?
How are things in Withamsville OH? Strong manufacturing base, is there? Easy credit for small businesses and car loans? Low unemployment and all the seniors and schools are in good shape? Limited foreclosures and displacement? Lucky you.

[new gen charlotte]

great research johnie2xs!

I agree, this seems to be just another ignorant "follow the G.O.P. herd" cow. Democrats may not be perfect but we are much more likely to have our own ideas and opinions regardless of what the party big wigs have to say. I would liken your existence to a big ol' cow in a herd, but at least a cow can be put to good use. you sir, are clown shoes.

[BBackSoon]

Troll alert!!!

Almost 75 posts today.

Don’t feed the Troll’s!

[MTOrtega]

Re"pug"licans.

As in repugnant?

Beautifully put.

[johnie2xs]

You got it! Very astute. That's why we're Progressives. We're not like those who
Cannot Understand Logical Thinking. (CULT)

[berrycooda]

Handouts..­..

GIMME - GIMME - GIMME...

Make these people show their bookkeeping records and see where they are wasting money.

Maybe they should give up some of their own perks and salaries to make up the shortfall
in their states.

[vippy]

Why on earth do we still repeat what the Republicans have to say. Have they not proven to us already
that they steered this country into the abyss. Ignore them, they are no longer important.

[research]

Bingo!

These GOP conservatives are Proven:

Liars, deceivers, Projectors, hypocrites.

some 87 % of Americans are against what the GOP want to do.

[45245]

that is why most people are against the bailout of the auto companies.­.......and McCain carried 46%

"87 % of Americans are against what the GOP want to do"

but not 87% of voters

[judiNJ]

It has taken the Republicans 14 years to ruin my country, now we need to let our new President
pull it out of the ditch with as many big brains as he can appoint. If any ONE of them is thwarted
by Republicans in congress, shame on them!!!

[Tom95134]

Republicans, with their "fiscal conservatism" mantra, will stand in the way of everything Obama tries to do. You know, the one that they forgot about when Bush pissed money down the drain.

You can already see and hear this line from Republicans on the Sunday morning talk shows and in nearly everything they say to the press. The derailment of the auto bridge loans by McConnell is just an example of what Obama will face.

[justoverit333]

Absolutely. It was ok to get this country into
an unbelievable debt and let the economy tank.
But let a new democratic president try to get
some things done to help this country? They'll
hold up whatever they care. Country first?
I don't think so. Egos and pride first.

[45245]

no bailouts..­........

[ReasonIsMyReligion]

I'm not sure if "shovel" conjurs the right image. ;-)

[poco767c]

Depends, it is perfect when you consider the eight years of 5h!t that needs to be removed.