Obama On Republicans: 'I'm An Optimist, Not A Sap'

In an interview with columnists aboard Air Force One, President Obama talked about what he learned from the stimulus battle. Pronouncing himself impressed with his team for moving the legislation through Congress so quickly, he said the plan wasn't everything he wanted but was still a "very good start on moving things forward."

As for his experience with congressional Republicans, the president said, "I made every effort to reach out to Republicans early to get their input and to get their buy-in. I think that there were some senators and House members who have a sincere philosophical difference with the idea of any government role in boosting demand in the economy. They don't believe in [John Maynard] Keynes and they're still fighting FDR ... I think we can disagree without being disagreeable on that front."

He added that the GOP also made a "political and tactical" decision to oppose the stimulus as a way to rally their base. "Whether that's a smart strategy, I think you should ask them." He said that it was his impression that the House Republicans decided to vote party-line against the bill before he met with them. "I'm not sure that there was a whole host of things that we were going to do that was going to make a difference." (Republicans dispute that interpretation, claiming they were open to the stimulus when they met with Obama.)

White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said recently that Obama lost control of the stimulus debate by focusing too much on bipartisanship.

Asked if he would be so willing to reach out to Republicans in the future, the president responded, "You know, I am an eternal optimist. That doesn't mean I'm a sap."

Looking more forward, the president also outlined his priorities for the rest of the year:

My priorities for the rest of the year. Number one is to get the right structure for the successor to TARP; spending the $300-some billion that has already been authorized as wisely as possible, and injecting transparency and trust into the financial system. Having a housing program that provides relief to people who are at risk of losing their homes. Financial regulations that ensure that the crisis doesn't happen again. A innovative and aggressive push for health care reform that focuses not just on access but also on costs, and trying to just provide relief to working families. And a push for an energy policy that puts us on a path to sustainability.

Comments

[KofTX]

"Going forward, each and every time we've got an initiative, I am going to go to both Democrats and Republicans and I'm going to say, 'Here is my best argument for why we need to do this. I want to listen to your counterarguments, if you've got better ideas, present them, we will incorporate them into any plans that we make and we are willing to compromise on certain issues that are important to one side or the other in order to get stuff done,"

This is the essence of bipartisanship. Not caving in to either party as some on the left or right have tried to depict. It just so happens that this time, America elected the brightest and most capable person in Washington to do the most difficult job in the world. I've always had total faith President Obama's character and approach. He is right for the times we live in.

[jazzycafe]

You are making a great point. He is the right person to be president at this time. His willingness to listen and consider what the left or right has to say, does not mean that he will cave in. President Obama has skills that we have not witnessed for some time.

[JZ735]

I think we have seen his skills: allowing Nancy and Harry to drum up a ridiculous pork filled bill, vetters who have chosen numbskulls as nominees, and a certain indication that he is a deer in the headlights...

[hollybork]

Great post. You have said it very well, and I agree with you. The best thing about the brilliant and gifted man we elected as President is his superb character and his compassionate understanding. Thank God for him.

[katyann]

The GOP puts party ahead of country on every issue. Republican voters may want to look smart while their "leaders" ignore and betray the best interests of workers with the goal that they themselves can maintain power. While millions lose their jobs worldwide, Boehner, McCain, et.al. play selfish, unethical games of "Me First!" They know their proposed tax cuts would put the country in greater danger, and that is exactly where they see their best interests. We need to ignore the wags who say things like, "This is the worst transition in my memory." (McLaughlin Group today) These pundits are the echo chamber that falsely portrays Obama as failing. Bush left the Augean stables to be mucked out, and Obama is displaying Herculean patience with these obstructionists. We are wise to their bully techniques. With Rovian cynicism, the GOP keeps planting minefields, but Obama, who never expected rose gardens, avoids their booby traps. I hope he will keep his eye on the prizes of peace and prosperity and good health for our nation and the world.

[Eris23Skidoo]

He will. It is all part of being a grown-up.

[Mediated]

Its reassuring to see obama, in almost every picture of him, smiling like the cat that ate the canary. I'm glad he's having a good time, during these catastrophic - disastrous economic times. No job yet- but his eternal optimism will take car of me.

[TXOBAMAGIRL73]

Running out of tiny violins for you Relimpican!!!

[KofTX]

OMG!!! You don't mean to tell me that those "Conservative", very Republican Bush tax cuts haven't trickled down to you yet?!?

[Eris23Skidoo]

They will never trickle down. That's all a smoke-screen. It's the GOP's version of "let them eat cake."

[Middleclassvotingbloc]

Hang in there, things will get better, this is a good time to discover the new and innovative you. This is just the push for change you need to grow and do something different--Good Luck.

[Trogenhorse]

You're picking and choosing the story. He smiles with optimistic and hope knowing that Amercia can do anything it sets it's mind to do- that's a bad thing? He works like it is his last day on earth- that's a bad thing?

[ammitusen]

you found GW's smug priss mouthed little smirk more comforting, i suppose. i bet you giggled along with GW as he pretended to search for WMDs under a couch cushion.

[nomobull]

i remember that one debate where mccain was make remarks about OBama. he would just look up smile and write something on the pad in front of him. remember how he would agree with his opponent during a debate then proceed to tear their point to shreds. the media tried their best to convince us he was losing when in reality he was winning with one arm tied behind his back. remember"i don't do cowering".

[SouthPrairie]

Yep. That's my President--SMART!!

[ProfessorDuh]

You know, I just have to like anybody who still uses the word "sap." Dashiell Hammett lives.

[pantherdunc]

All that can be done now is to govern the country. Get legislation out, reach across the aisle, if there are any takers great, if not too bad so sad for you Republicans.

[NotMcCain]

Exactly. He's going to work to solve our problems. If they want to get on board and help, great. I think he's made it abundantly clear their help is welcome.

If they're going to keep playing little games to try to make Obama look bad and get some mileage for Republicans, well, that ship has sailed.

It'll be interesting to see how many Republicans get a clue and join in with Specter, Snow, Collins next time, or stubbornly stick to their old obstructionist ways.

[americanchic]

'i'm an eternal optimist. that doesn't mean i'm a sap'

YAY

[JZ735]

Sap? Yes, when you let Nancy and Harry do a "stimulus" plan.

[rickey56]

President Obama wouldn't give a rats you know what about bipartisanship and these obstructionist Republicans if he didn't win Red States. He is really trying to keep the bipartisanship lines of communication open with those particular supporters who he knows include alot of Republican supporters who voted for him.

[KofTX]

Well, despite that being a very cynical way to put it (I think he genuinely cares about the well being of so-called Red State citizens), I think it's very smart and expedient. Don't you? Not to mention that it was a commitment that he gave during the campaign season.

[djgonebad]

I think it's beyond the election strategy of RED-STATE BLUE-STATE; Americans can see the vast difference in the administrations in just four weeks.

But, it's good that he can deliver in RED-STATES; because in 2010 the door can close for good on the REPUGS of the GOP.

[Einstein44]

I'm amazed how President Obama has managed the other side (The Republican Reptiles) with style.The funny thing is that they think like comedians,but their brand of jokes are falling on deaf ears across America!

[redsongia]

Oh, I think he keeps his eye on the long ball, not the daily blah blah blah.

Giving republicans airtime only exposes them as plannless double talkers anyway. Boehner and Graham look pretty lame this week.

[Thinklongterm]

I must be banned.

[HHarvey]

Not only does O need to get a handle on the repubs, but he is going to need to reign in his own party at times otherwise they will roll all over him. He needs to get the upper hand with both sides. It will be interesting to watch what comes next and how it is handled.

[nomobull]

no one rolls over president OBAMA.

[KofTX]

I don't think he's had as hard a time with the Democrats as the media would have us believe. He came in with a proposed plan of $785 billion composed of spending, state aid and tax cuts. Pelosi marked it up so that the Senate could mark it down. The final draft is $787 billion (almost the exact number originally proposed and about 90% to his specifications) and to be put on the President's desk in record time. The Dems did their job and they did it with more support than they showed Clinton in '93.

The media's goal is to create parody and conflict because that's how they make money. That's why the networks put more Republicans than Democrats on the air last week. That's why they purposely ignored all of the polls that showed the President's approval ratings and support for the Recovery Plan being consistently high.

[Lahonda]

...keep sweepin', then their room will look messy.

[NevadaDem]

"You know, I am an eternal optimist. That doesn't mean I'm a sap."
Well said, Mr. President.