Obama Denver, Phoenix Trips: Promoting Stimulus

EAST PEORIA, Ill. — President Barack Obama on Thursday pitched his economic plan at a Caterpillar Inc. plant reeling from layoffs, his message blunted when the company's chairman warned that it may be up to a year before the multibillion-dollar program has a positive impact the economy.

The $790 billion stimulus plan is nearing votes in the House and Senate. If all stays on the course, the package of spending programs and tax relief will soon become law with Obama's signature.

"It is time for Congress to act, and I hope they act in a bipartisan fashion," Obama said of the legislation, which drew little Republican support in the Senate and none in the House. "But no matter how they act, when they do, when they finally pass our plan, I believe it will be a major step forward on our path to economic recovery."

Caterpillar has announced more than 22,000 layoffs because of sliding demand. Obama said the company would rehire some of the workers when the economic bill becomes law and predicted other companies will have similar stories.

Shortly after Obama spoke, Caterpillar Chairman Jim Owens said his company probably will have to lay off more employees before it starts thinking about rehiring. Owens said that even if a stimulus plan passes immediately, it won't have an effect on the economy until late this year or early 2010.

Obama said his stimulus plan would unleash a wave of construction, innovation and job growth.

"It's about giving people a way to make a living, support their families and live out their dreams," he said. "Americans aren't looking for a handout.They just want to work."

In Washington, Republican Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire abruptly withdrew his nomination to be Obama's commerce secretary. Gregg cited "irresolvable conflicts" with Obama's handling of the economic stimulus and the 2010 census.

Comments

[Veneita]

Sign it in Henrietta Hughes new living room.

[tigerakabj]

I didn't see it in the article, but what days and times is Obama going to be in Arizona and Colorado?

[SteveDenver]

I was wondering the same thing

[NCRDIBULL]

well as the saying goes ,, If it plays in Peoria... Well it didn't , he bombed and CAT is still laying off

[nomobull]

only in you and the medias mind. the people in Peoria are laying the blame at CAT 's president feet

[VikingQuest]

Goodie . . . I wonder if he'll bring the Price is Right wheel . . . after what happened in Florida there will be a ton of people asking for handouts.

Free car! Free car! Free car!

[HonorJusticeTruth]

Mr. President, from the great state of Arizona, we would all like to ask you to see if you can get us some real representation in the House and the Senate.

[VikingQuest]

That's your responsiblity . . . he is supposed to close the border.

[nomobull]

AND IT MUST GALL YOU TO NO END THAT WE HAVE A PRESIDENT THAT CARES. AND DID YOU MISS THE FACT THAT IT CAUSED OTHERS TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE. I HOPE YOU NEVER EVER END UP HOMELESS .BUT IF YOU DO I HOPE SOMEONE SHOWS YOU MORE KINDNESS THAN YOU ARE CAPABLE OF.

[TrueIndy08]

Sign it here in CA.... where like every other house is a foreclosure

The mortgage crisis is the root of the problem.... CA leads the nation in foreclosures.... DO IT HERE!!!

[VikingQuest]

And your housing prices are the most inflated and need to come back down to earth.

[TrueIndy08]

don't get snippy with me... I don't dispute that! I hated the fact that they got where they were!!!!

I am happy they are finally coming down, they actually aren't low enough....

but the fact remains that the majority of foreclosures are in this state!!!

[unite4change]

What's truly amazing is the GOP had no problem when spending over $10 billion a month on the wars and rebuilding those countries. Yet, they have a problem with rebuilding America and helping Americans with jobs, education, healthcare, unemployment and food stamps.

The GOP believes in wealth only. It's a pity poor whites follow behind them.

[VikingQuest]

Government cannot create wealth for an economy, they can only redistribute it.

[jazzycafe]

You totally ignored the point that unite4change was making, yet you felt the need to reply to that comment. What about the billions on Iraq? That was fine, no problem? But spending to rebuild our own country, that's bad?

[unite4change]

There have been so many half truths about what's in the recovery bill, he feel compelled to tell the American people the truth without it being slice and diced by the media.

[PlugINCarsRule]

There could be no better investment in America than to invest in America becoming energy independent! We need to utilize everything in out power to reduce our dependence on foreign oil including using our own natural resources. Create cheap clean energy, new badly needed green jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The high cost of fuel this past year seriously damaged our economy and society. The cost of fuel effects every facet of consumer goods from production to shipping costs. After a brief reprieve gas is inching back up. OPEC will continue to cut production until they achieve their desired 80-100. per barrel. If all gasoline cars, trucks, and SUV's instead had plug-in electric drive trains, the amount of electricity needed to replace gasoline is about equal to the estimated wind energy potential of the state of North Dakota. There is a really good new book out by Jeff Wilson called The Manhattan Project of 2009 Energy Independence Now.

[Mdazes]

I wish the President would just take a break, reflect over the pass weeks. I know things are not going to be easy but there is always room for improvement.

[GeoLee]

What is a pass week?

[SteveDenver]

While the U.S. loses 20,000 jobs PER DAY, how long of a reflective break do you think he should take?

[Scoppertop]

VETO until the tax breaks for the rich are taken out and the Whistleblower protections are put back in it!

[wonketteRAWKS]

Isn't this basically a done deal? I mean why is he traveling....2012?

[Icantbelieveher]

He's trying to raise consumer confidence, so people with jobs will spend -- it will give the economy a boost!

[SPQR1775]

He should sign the Bill in the reddest district in America that have over 10% unemployment, that would be RICH!

[kellygrrrl]

well, he can hit these red spots, that's fine.
and he can sign wherever he chooses.
but
I sure hope he's planning to spend some time in CA soon.
And I really would like to see him get behind a good strong Dem candidate for our Gov's office.

[morefromLA]

Do we have a good strong Democratic candidate? I'm looking for one who will put her/his political fortune on the line to get rid of this absurd requirement for a 2/3 vote to approve a State budget.

[kellygrrrl]

right now I only know of Jerry Brown ... but I'm 90% sure DiFi will throw her hat in.
I personally will be disappointed if she is the Dem candidate.
Looks like the thugs are running MegWhitman (ebay founder/McCain camp chair)

[kellygrrrl]

btw, we are going to have to work really hard for Boxer. The OC NeoChristos are raising tons of money to challenge her senate seat.
They are backing that klown who said GayMarriage empowers ped ophiles.
I forget his name, but he's a NutKase, and they are raising gobs of dollars for him.

[Hipppo]

I really don't get it...how the Neocons Schwartzneger stole California. The governor is driving 3-4 Hammers, and laying off tens of thousands of State employees. We need Obama for a recall or change. Why is Obama forgot New Orleans?

[TrueIndy08]

I agree.. after reading today that they will be raising almost every tax in this state, it was quite depressing!!!

the sales and income tax, fine! But doubling the DMV car registration fees..... thats going to become a huge burden on people who are already struggling to make ends meet!

TAX the hell out of alcohol and tobacco products.... it will not deter people from buying.... they will contrinue to buy it, some people would rather buy booze than pay their bills!!!!

We need to find a viable DEM for Gov.... if not, we will in the same spot when that a s s hole leaves office

[PlaceboStudman]

Could we please stop with the travelling circus and get down to the business of doing something productive?

The bill is going to be signed. We all know there will be other bills, more money. I thought one of President Obama's greatest assets was his ability to multi task, but I guess I was wrong

It looks like his people are forcing him to be a one trick pony and this very well may make or break, and certainly will define his administration.

Sad, considering how much good he could have done in other areas (like redefining drug policy)

[Icantbelieveher]

He's trying to raise the confidence of consumers -- think about it!!! And retail sales went up last month! We all know it's going to go through, but every time he talks, people feel better and think that it will be okay that money they've been saving, because things are going to get better! When things get better, it's going to do nothing but help!

[SteveDenver]

He's been in office for less than a month and you've already declared a verdict? Grow up.

[cloudminder]

he should sign the bill in Orange County CA

which has now gone from RED to Purple to Indigo Blue

[kellygrrrl]

OC Blue? huh?

[cloudminder]

i can dream can't I?!

[TrueIndy08]

what?? Its still as RED as ever