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

[bastalready]

All the GOP has to offer is more of the same.Einstein decribes insanity as repeating the same action over and over again hoping for a different result.The insanity of the past eight years is over.There's a new man in town.

[jubei]

to all the hateful trolls GOP's and dixiecrats please check out Frank Schaffer article on huffingtonpost an open letter to President Obama about the republicans(from a former Republican) and thats gonna wise yall up to all tha sarcastic your God Obama or where's the change he talked about or hes an empty suit!

[PeacefulRevolution]

"The lack of cooperation you're getting from the Republican Party will continue. You were right to indulge in a little bit of tokenism when you had to Pastor Rick Warren pray at your inauguration. But if you think that the Republicans in Congress and the Senate are going to do more than their utmost to obstruct everything you are and what you stand for you're dreaming."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frank-schaeffer/an-open-letter-to-preside_b_165359.html\

From a former Republican.

[roshni]

Thanks for posting this. If I may just clarify one thing, Schaeffer is a former republican who supports Obama and has taken a lot of flack for it, including death threats.
I agree with him that the party is being led by religious wingnuts on the one hand and neocons on the other. Neither really cares about the welfare of the middle class or the average voter.

[NotMcCain]

Yes, they are committed to Obstructionism. They are counting on it to give them political spin that leads to victory in 2010.

The nasty,, ill-informed rhetoric from McCain...from Cantor...from their lackeys in the media....makes the agenda VERY clear.

Can anyone name ONE thing these Republicans wanted in THEIR "stimulus" bill? (Other than the proverbial "tax cuts for the rich"?) Can anyone name ONE thing that they actually named as "Pork"?

It's all politics. What a disgusting bunch. No wonder they don't want to be reminded about Lincoln and his belief in "what's best for the COUNTRY"--not what's best for "my career."

[StillIRise]

Thank you. It's a very honest depiction of today's Republican Party, old white men of the neo-con and religious right fronts who hate anyone who represents the "others." They live in a bubble of delusion and, as he says, talks to themselves and believes their own chatter. I have no doubt that the hate email he received hoping that "God kills him," was signed: From A True Christian! It's frightening to think that some day these people will likely regain power, and my only hope is that through President Obama's leadership, more and more Americans will not only see clearly who and what this Republican Party is, but will also examine themselves as well.

I think President Obama knows even better than we do the depth of sheer evil that the Republican Party represents, but I don't believe that will deter him from trying to be the best President he can be for all Americans. He's not only aware of the challenge, but he seems to be up to it ... and as someone posted, we have to be there to have his back!

[bygollymissmolly]

Whiny sore loser. Yadda...yadda...yadda.

[bastalready]

And a confused one.

[eltopo]

Try again: this time with readable English sentences.

[StillIRise]

I read the article - which was a lot easier than reading your post - and I didn't get anything from it that you've suggested. Maybe you should try reading it again, because it contradicts everything your post implies. In fact, it's just the opposite!

[DMHendrix]

Your English teacher is horrified.

[stringer]

Then stop being one. Every sane Democrat told you not to attempt this in the first place. It's okay that you tried, but: a) it's your fault and b) don't do it again.

Obama was the one who was so sure, and explicitly TOLD us, that he would be able to reason and charm the Republicans into working with him. Yup, guess you're not as charming as you thought. Are they obstructionists? Yep, but we all tried to TELL you this from the beginning.

I don't mind this, if he really has learned. But if he keeps insisting on meeting with the entire Republican House delegation in the future, and trying to work with people other than just the 3 Republican Senators he needs, it's on Obama.

That's a waste of time and will lead to more watered-down bills like this stimulus package. You, and the Democrats, won for a reason. Now do something. Otherwise we're all screwed.

[roshni]

I really think Obama has this under control. He is playing good cop to the senate/congressional dems' bad cop. While leaving the door open, he has his team condemning the lack of cooperation from the rethugs, as it should be condemned.

[StillIRise]

President Obama NEVER said that he would "charm the Republicans into working with him." He said that he would not engage in partisan politics and that he would seek to have an inclusive administration (which he has) and to reach across the aisle (which he's done). However, he also NEVER said that he's responsible for other people's behavior or choices.

This article is not about what President Obama has learned ... it's about what we're learning about him! And it tells us that he can be the kind of President America deserves - one who extends himself to those with whom he disagrees - and still get the job done that we voted for him to do! It doesn't have to be one way or the other. He can optimistically continue to try to raise the consciousness of our government, and yet not be a sap!! In other words, he can show true leadership!

The bill was never going to be perfect, even without Republican input or compromise, but according to most sources and according to President Obama himself, he got 90% of what he wanted and therefore 90% of what America needs. To me, that's not being screwed!!!!

[KDH]

Don't be too harsh on Pres. Obama. Media and pundit hype built this idea that Obama would "Charm them" into working with him. Pres. Obama is no "sap" as he said. He knew to begin with that the GOP would resist him. He's been around the D.C. game long enough to know that. "Reaching Out" to the other side, is all I ever heard Obama claim he would do. I don't recall him claiming he would "charm them" into submission. This is an example of where I wish more people would separate punditry from fact. By continuing to offer the GOP some input, every time they ignore that offer, they dig the hole they are in deeper. Again on this...punditry has made it sound like the GOP has gained ground. The only ground they've gained are more plots in the GOP graveyard of the un-elected.

[LiberTLover]

He built very good working relationships and friendships with Republicans in the Illinois Senate. He know how important it is to have people working together to actually get things done instead of all the partisan games that result in gridlock and nothing getting done. And on the next issue those three Senators may not vote with the Dems, so what do you suggest then?

[toypiano]

Well said. I hope he's a fast learner. O is a charming man, but he's in the tank with hungry piranhas now, where charm doesn't matter and doesn't usually pay, and he needs to keep his wits about him. He's definitely smart enough, but I worry that he might be too stubborn to adjust to the circumstance in time to avert more Congressional disasters. It's possible that his advisors are terribly out of touch, but even if that were true O should rise above the din and see the situation for what it is and act decisively to enact a democratic agenda. We need a decisive departure from the failed policies of the recent past, not a gradual slide and "hope for the best."

[BeckyJustice]

I wonder if any of the pundits who are forecasting the imminent demise of President Obama are getting it yet? All the talk of, "He's losing the Stimulus Debate", while the Polls kept saying the Stimulus had the same 'favorable' numbers as he did. 65%, give or take a couple. 10+ percent MORE than he was elected by. I would bet there are a lot of former Republicans in that 10% :)

Hint to the GOP loving media, watch the Republican Senators drop off the electoral map and then understand that it will be much easier to vote YOU out. Just takes hitting the right button on our remotes. That's what happens when you become irrelevant, and the fastest way to become irrelevant is to show the people just how clueless you are.

Now, what part of, "He had to give the Republicans a chance to get on board" did you not understand? . Otherwise you would all be screaming that he didn't keep his promise. Don't lie. that is exactly what you would be doing. I guess it never occured to you that he probably knew ahead of time it wouldn't work. He is so much more intelligent than most in the Media. But now look what is happening.

[norkas]

To prove how BAD the Republicans are jsut look at the last 8 years and these un American liars and lowlifes wants anyone to think they are sincere?

Vote them out of office and invest in anyones campaign running aganist them.

We need to raise large sums of money to get them out of office when they run again soon for a senate office or congress.

[roshni]

I certainly intend to do all you have suggested and more. Good Luck!

[Changeizgood]

Starting date for donations to the future candidates of Independents or Greens or if you want more Dems, but please, no more idiots. Thirty years of "TINKLING DOWN ECONOMICS, WHILE PISSING IN AMERICAN WORKERS FACES.

ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BeckyJustice]

cont.

GOP Senators are losing their grip and cutting their own throats. There is no item in a Bill that clicked with the voters like the Pay Limits on Bailed Out Bankers. Probably everyone except they and their CEOs are completely in favor of it. So what did those GOPers do? They emptied their tear ducts.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/06/gop-opposes-pay-limits-on_n_164544.html

You may think the voters will have forgotten that by 2010, but I'm pretty sure someone will bring it up in 2010. In fact, a whole lot of someones. chuckle chuckle chuckle

By the way, that was only one example of their likeness to lemmings. There are more every day and if you don't think it is going to affect your own job in the media with the same result, you may as well admit you are a lemming too, because President Obama will keep outsmarting you. Makes you all look like a bunch of idiots. Too depressing to watch so we just switch channels. :)

[scouserinlondon]

He constructed a win/win set up. If they came on board... all well and good.. he would get it passed, no worries. If they didn't, and he had tried so hard to be bipartisan and extend his hand, they would look like a bunch of ungracious, sulking, sour puss bad losers.... also all well and good. Can't half tell he's a good poker player !!

[missjabez]

Obama's pretty crafty. He's a nice guy, but he said it best: He's no sap.

[bastalready]

And it all went right over their heads.

[toypiano]

Nice, except the ungracious, sulking, sour puss bad losers actually got to write the bill and determine much of the content. That's not going to work, unless we want more of the failed policies of the Shrub regime. Which we don't! So while appearances matter, it's the substance of the thing that matters most. It's not exactly win/win, but I think we'll get there.

[bygollymissmolly]

Read Frank Rich's column in the NYT today. He sums this whole thing up perfectly.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/opinion/15rich.html?ref=opinion

[KarenT]

I was going to post that article also. Excellent.

[judiNJ]

I am reading less and less of the MSM. As soon as I see an editorial is going into that negative spin, I just toss it out unread. No wonder they are beginning to lose ground. This includes the New York Times, as well.

[Tulka2]

In spite of all the politicos rending their garments and tearing their hair....? Obama got more money than he originally asked for and there are less tax cuts in the final bill than in the one he first sent to Congress.

The pundits live in some kind of bubble. We ought to start a fund to send them all to "summer camp" in towns outside of D.C. and NYC. They have been away so long they don't even notice the corporate strings attached to all their parts.

[PeacefulRevolution]

They need to go back to the states they say they represent and get on the streets and see how it really is in the real world. Oh, no, that would be too hard.

[bubbuh]

Pundits aren't elected. They're annointed by the media.

[chitown8]

To much like right!

[StillIRise]

They need to go back to the states they say they represent and refund the votes of those who voted for them!

[LiberTLover]

They need to go back to the states they came from and explain WHY THEY ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE ANY MONEY from the stimulus, standing up for their princliples and all that. I would love to see the peoples' reactions.

[bastalready]

Well,they can punditize all they want. What matters is what is being talked about in American homes right now. The Pres. is in touch and just look at his approval stats.

[brigadere]

Yeah the repubs do not want to burden future generations with an economy. This is why they would rather spend billions in iraq on a unnecessary war than to spin a dime on the roads and bridges of America. The fact is the true burden to future generations is that the republicans led the country into a death spiral. Now the democrats must use all means necessary to turn it around.

[bygollymissmolly]

The Republicant's and Bush doubled our national debt in 8 short years. In all the years leading up to Bush, presidents racked up 5 trillion in debt. Bush and the Republicant's doubled that in 8 years. And what do we have to show for that 5 trillion in debt (that our children and grandchildren will be saddled with paying)? All we have to show for it is a ruined economy and a country that is reviled around the world. At least the debt that this Economic Recovery bill will incur is for things being done to improve our country rather than occupying a country that was never a threat to us.

Every time the Republicant's start talking about "fiscal responsibility" it makes me want to k i l l someone, preferably one of them. Fortunately for this country the people have caught on to their lies and obfuscations and are no longer listening to them. Mostly they are laughing at them and waiting in anticipation for the 2010 elections so they can show the Republicant's once again how much they are loved (having lost 35% of their seats in Congress during the last two elections).

[Changeizgood]

30 years of GOP = 'WHIRLPOOL OF DEBT AND BORROWING.

[4TJefferson]

Talk about zombie banks? How about zombie political parties? The GOP is a zombie party. Please just go back to you bunkers and bibles.

[curmudgeon3]

Might Judd Gregg-R, New Hampshire, represent the last remaining dinosaur in his corner of the country?

Of the opposing senators, those closest in geographical proximity to Gregg are Burr, North Carolina and Voinovich, Ohio, both of whom are up for re-election in 2010.

The Republicans had better hope that they are able to successfully torpedo any and all efforts by Obama and the Democrats to put this country back on its feet again, or their margins could shrink even further in a couple of years.

The Republicans only remaining ace in the whole would then be the Corporate Media (aka the Ministry of Truth, to borrow from Orwell), which slavishly repeats their talking points ad infinitum. Their best hope for 2010 is if the Corporate Media is able to convince enough voters that the economy will do much better if the ultra-wealthy only are given even more tax breaks.

“Roosevelt is dead. His policies may live on, but we're in the process of doing something about that as well.” -- Rush Limbaugh

[bubbuh]

Both of Maine's Senators are Republican.

[PeacefulRevolution]

Who represent a Democratic state. Gotta problem with that?

[roshni]

In theory.

[curmudgeon3]

This writer was speaking only in terms of those senators who were in opposition to the stimulus bill, regardless of party.

Make no mistake, the three Republicans (in addition to the DINO from Nebraska, Sen. Ben Nelson) demanded and secured several pounds of flesh in exchange for their support.

The fact that both senators from Maine are Republicans even further underscores the isolation of Gregg in the northeastern section of the country with regard to the stimulus bill.

[GingerB]

Voinovich is not seeking re-election in 2010. He's done.

[nomobull]

huh either way they lose

[bygollymissmolly]

They think if this country is in a Depression in 2010 that the American public is all of a sudden going to look to them and their failed policies as the ticket out. NOT.GOING.TO.HAPPEN. It seems that the American public has a much longer memory these days than they used to. If they see any improvement at all, thanks to the efforts of the Democrats, they will stick with the Democrats and not go back to what got us here in the first place.

[grata2ude]

Come 2010 there will be fewer and fewer Republicans to even give them a second thought.

[bubbuh]

Even if there is only one elephant in the room, it is wise to pay it some attention.

[judiNJ]

And watch were you step!

[SeekerOne]

Please put energy at the top of your list Mr. President.

Please.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/14/global-warming-seen-worse_n_167002.html

[Jazzcomedian]

From the minute President Obama launched his campaign, if he had listened to the pundits, media strategists, and many bloggers on this site about what he "needs to do, or should do", he wouldn't be the president. "The Audacity of Hope" is his political manifesto, and he has followed it to the letter.

I've seen them all from JKF (my favorite) until now, and President Obama is the most interesting president I've seen. For a politician, he has a real sense of confidence, nobility, and humility. Very refreshing to a jaded 60 year old cat like me.

President Obama reminds me of my favorite cowboy from the past--Paladin. Tough, erudite, resourceful, principled, calm, resolute, concerned about those in need of help. "A knight without armor in a savage land"--which certainly describes Washington politics. Never looked for a fight, always tried to solve the dispute with charm, and reason, and without gunplay, but if the bullying adversary couldn't be reasoned with, Paladin would just kick his ass like was hired to do, and head back to San Francisco.

That's Paladin. That's Obama--charmingly ruthless in pursuit of results. The GOP is in for a four year ass kicking, and they won't even know what's hit them. The GOP, and MSM haven't yet realized that he's playing a different game, and truly willing to be judged on results alone. This is going to be fun. I wish I could Tivo it.

"Paladin, Paladin, where do you roam?"

[bastalready]

It is a great book and this is a great post.

[DavidEBrown]

Well said. Thanks

[Happyexpat]

Love your post. thanks

[archanjo]

I loved that show. We need more good Oaters on TV again.

[eXcommunicate]

This should be "HuffPo Pick".

[research]

"(Republicans dispute that interpretation, claiming they were open to the stimulus when they met with Obama.) "

Don't we already have proof that the GOP

intended to vote against the bill

before they met Obama?

[norkas]

Republicans which like a BIG fool i voted for but this time proudly supported and voted for Barak Obama before he even ran.

The Republican leaders turned into thieves , liars worse then they ever were and were heading towatds supporting a dictatorship.

Republicans today are pro America and will do everything in there power to destroy this great country and its people almost at any cost.

Barak Obama is smart and knows now he is dealing with snake oils salesmen that came out of a hole and should jump back in

[marchamlin]

It's Barack, not Barak.

[bygollymissmolly]

The Republican leaders turned into...
----------------------

They didn't "turn into" anything. They have always been the party of the wealthy and powerful. It just took you a while to catch on. I'm glad you did, though. So did most of the Republicant's I know. Five of them are Democrats today, two are independents and one is a hopeless case who votes for the (R) and not the person running.

[norkas]

I meant to say Republicans are anti America and seek to destroy this great country

[bygollymissmolly]

You are correct. They see their redemption in the complete and utter destruction of this country. They are, one and all, traitors.

[chitown8]

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/18024.html

[victoria38]

sorry....twice by mistake.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123413701032661445.html

[chitown8]

Vic,

I have a question in your opinion what should we do about healthcare?

For folks who work and can't afford but make to much for medicaid?

What about small business who can't afford it?

Insurance definition

the act, system, or business of insuring property, life, one's person, etc., against loss or harm arising in specified contingencies, as fire, accident, death, disablement, or the like, in consideration of a payment proportionate to the risk involved.
2. coverage by contract in which one party agrees to indemnify or reimburse another for loss that occurs under the terms of the contract.


But this they are not suppose to be making profits. So isn't time we stop acting like a nation of have and have nots?

Folks need help our country and run to every other part of the world to help but would rather see it's own people starve.

Big Business has had a grip on American for centuries yet not says a word. Universal Healthcare is our best way to release that grip.

[bygollymissmolly]

The linked article is a l*i*e. I have a good friend in Canada and she says that in no way is health care "rationed". You do have to wait if what is wrong with you is not serious and can wait. But, if you have an immediate need, it is taken care of immediately.

The same is true for England, where my sister lives. She decided to move back to the states 10 years ago after her relationship went south on her. But when she crunched the numbers and looked at what returning the US would cost her, she decided to stay in England. Yes, she does pay half her salary in taxes. But what she gets in return for it is free medical care, a livable pension when she retires, a livable stipend if she becomes unemployed and help finding a new home if she were to lose her current home. As she eloquently put it to me, "England looks at their citizens as their best asset and takes good care of them whereas the USA looks at it's citizens as burdens that should be ignored as much as possible. And first and foremost, all other industrialized nations look at health care as a right and not a privilege.

I would be happy to pay half my salary in taxes (it's close to that already) if it meant that I wouldn't have to worry about my health care and my financial future.

[StillIRise]

Apparently, you couldn't win on your mortgage argument, so now it's health care! You need to find out if Fox or Rush have any positions open ... you'd be a perfect candidate! Mimicking talking points is an essential requirement. Facts and substantive arguments are not not only necessary, but non-productive to your success.

Good luck!

[missjabez]

I have concluded that the Republican Party is a negative force. For 8 miserable years, with Bush and Cheney leading the way, they trashed this country. I don't care about bipartisanship. The Republicans can go to he@@.

[PeacefulRevolution]

They were a negative force during President Clinton's tenure too. They are he// bent on destroying this nation. Why? I do not know. I never will.

[bygollymissmolly]

Because when this country is financially bankrupt we will be a nation of the very rich and the very poor. And the very rich will have total control over the very poor. They will buy up all our devalued assets and become even richer.

Bush and Company have pretty much made this nation into a Banana Republic. I hope that President Obama and the Democrats can turn this around, but I fear it may already be too late.

[marchamlin]

hell.

[victoria38]

one more thing b/4 I go...here is link to healthcare story I referenced earlier..I challenge you to read it..

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123413701032661445.html

[bygollymissmolly]

Sure, an article in Rupert Murdoch's Wall Street Journal. Always an objective source of opinion.