Obama: GOP and Dems Together Can Spur Job Growth[Threatens Against "Grandstanding"]

APReport ^ | February 09, 2010 | Charles Babbington

[Steelfish]

Obama: GOP and Dems Together Can Spur Job Growth

CHARLES BABINGTON WASHINGTON – Appealing for bipartisanship in a town where it's hard to find, President Barack Obama sat down with Democrats and Republicans Tuesday to spur cooperation on job creation, deficit reduction and health care overhaul. He promised to do his part — but warned he would take Republicans to task if they don't do the same.

"The people who sent us here expect a seriousness of purpose that transcends petty politics," Obama said afterward, making a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room.

He started his remarks to reporters by engaging in a bit of wishful thinking: joking about Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid and Republican leader Mitch McConnell "out doing snow angels together on the South Lawn."

But the friendly rhetoric quickly gave way to tougher talk.

"We can't afford grandstanding at the expense of actually getting something done," Obama said. "What I won't consider is doing nothing."

Obama ticked off several areas where he said cooperation should be easy. But most of the ideas on which he called for bipartisanship were ones he favors, whether it was job creation (money for infrastructure repairs, small business tax cuts and lending, tax breaks for energy efficiency improvements), health care (extending coverage and making it more affordable) or deficit cutting (a bipartisan commission).

"I won't hesitate to embrace a good idea from my friends in the minority party, but I also won't hesitate to condemn ... what I consider to be obstinacy," he said.

He also threatened to act unilaterally to install his choices for several government vacancies that normally would require Senate confirmation, if his nominees continue to be held up.

[andy58-in-nh]

Yes, they can: provided they both get the hell out of our way.

[Personal Responsibility]

“The people who sent us here expect a seriousness of purpose that transcends petty politics”

I assume this means Obama will change from his “we won, that means we do everything our way” attitude and begin to participate in good faith, give and take negotiations?

[Jim Robinson]

Just cut the taxes, cut the spending, cut the government already!! Get the government out of our way and we will be fine!!

[svcw]

I want the Republicans to be the party of “hell no”.
barry is not only insane he is a true jack ass.

[TexasCajun]

Hopefully we can keep him doing nothing till the mid-term elections in Nov.

[GeronL]

deficit cutting??

did everyone bust out laughing??

[pissant]

They certainly can. Start by defunding the EPA, opening up the coasts and mountains for drilling and mining, slashing capital gains, and eliminated taxes on manufacturers.

But they won’t

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Oh, STFU.

[Gene Eric]

>> Yes, they can: provided they both get the hell out of our way.

Oh, yeah... what was said about the uselessness of the Republicans earlier in 2009? Something about causing enough trouble, and best to stay out of the way.

[Jim Robinson]

B/S! No compromise! HOLD THE LINE! We do not negotiate with terrorists and we DO NOT negotiate away our rights!!

Obama be damned!!

Rebellion is brewing!!

DON’T TREAD ON ME!!

[KarlInOhio]

How about abandoning the massive health care tax increase, the massive cap&tax energy tax and the labor goonion takeover through card check intimidation.

[Jim Robinson]

Drill, baby, drill!!

[AU72]

Ebony and Ivory, together in perfect harmony.

[Jim Robinson]

I agree, the Republicans should not be the party of no. They should be the party of HELL NO!!

[sickoflibs]

RE :””We can't afford grandstanding at the expense of actually getting something done,” Obama said. “What I won't consider is doing nothing.”

Didn't he give this phony speech a year ago?

He has no control over Democrats in congress and will support and sign anything they pass, until it becomes obvious it can't possibly pass. He is full of crap. He probably would like a bipartisan bill in the abstract, but he won't press for it. He is too weak. (plus the time for bipartisanship was a year ago, Republicans have little or nothing to gain now. )

[GloriaJane]

[SmokingJoe]

“He also threatened to act unilaterally to install his choices for several government vacancies that normally would require Senate confirmation, if his nominees continue to be held up.”

Now why don’t you just do that, Mr 0bama? We will be very happy to take even more seats from the Democarts in November.

[scory]

The only thing Hussein does is “play petty politics”. It is apparently the only thing he knows how to do. What a wretched little man he is.

I shudder when I think of 3 more years of this fool.

[Nosterrex]

The only way that the GOP could blow this is by actually cooperating with Obama. This whole thing is nothing but a political show trial in which Obama hopes to put the GOP on trial. “Just say, No!” should be the GOP’s mantra. I suggest that the GOP present Obama with a plan to shrink government spending and decrease tax rates across the board. No ObamaCare! No more “job creation” (read: wasteful government spending) bills. “Job creation” is stimulus by another name.