First thoughts: Tonight's address

Posted: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:22 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** Tonight’s address: In what will be the latest in big speeches he has delivered, President Obama tonight will address a joint session of Congress at 9:01 pm ET. Technically, it's not a State of the Union address. But with the televised entry into the chamber, the handshakes, the standing ovations, the primetime slot, and the opposition's official response, there won't be much of a difference. (Bush and Clinton also gave addresses to Congress shortly after their inaugurations.) Aides say the president’s speech is expected to outline the rest of his domestic agenda, including health care, education, and energy, as well as his policies towards Iraq and Afghanistan. These aides also note that the speech will echo familiar themes. Will the president feel the need to calm the markets tonight? Sure, most of the address is going to be about domestic priorities that touch the economy, but those topics aren't just about the economic bailout. That said, when Obama talks about health care, education, and energy, he'll do so under the economic umbrella. By the way, national service is also something that will be mentioned in the speech tonight and could be fast-tracked to get Ted Kennedy's maximum involvement.

*** Report card time: Just in time for tonight’s address, there are two new report cards -- via Washington Post/ABC and New York Times/CBS polls -- that show Obama has earned high marks in his first month as president. In both surveys, more than six in 10 approve of his job, strong majorities think he’s bringing about real change, and majorities approve of the just-passed economic stimulus. As for Republicans, it appears that their unified opposition to the president isn’t paying dividends just yet. According to both polls, about three-quarters believe Obama has been trying to work with Republicans, while just 3 in 10 Americans think the GOP is doing the same with the president. Moreover, the WashPo/ABC poll shows that while 50% approve of congressional Democrats, only 38% approve of their Republican counterparts, although that GOP score is up 13 points since the middle of last year. Perhaps the most worrisome number for the GOP in that poll: “Democrats maintain an edge of nearly 2 to 1 over Republicans as the party that Americans prefer to confront ‘the big issues’ over the next few years.” But remember one thing: Republicans need to worry about keeping their remaining customer base happy. And while that isn't playing well right now, do they have another choice? That's the conundrum for the GOP right now.

*** The power of the bully pulpit: One example why Obama is winning the charm war -- and why Republicans are not -- was yesterday’s televised Q&A with congressional Democrats, Republicans, and policy experts at the conclusion of his “Fiscal Responsibility Summit.” Obama taking questions from these folks resembled a formal White House press conference, or better yet the British prime minister’s question hour with Parliament. Writing about yesterday’s Q&A, the Washington Post’s Stephen Stromberg made this point: the “more Obama makes it seem like he is reaching out, the higher the price the Republicans will have to pay in order to oppose him.” The Q&A was a great example of the power of the bully pulpit, and why Obama is winning the bipartisanship argument without necessarily being bipartisan (outside of soliciting GOP opinions without really acting on them).

*** Jindal’s rebuttal: Giving tonight's GOP response to Obama's primetime address is Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who's already been in the spotlight the past few days -- opposing part of Obama's stimulus and appearing on Meet the Press. Perhaps it's our 24-7 focus on politics, but with all the attention Jindal has received, it's still a bit jarring to us that Jindal has served only about a year as governor and is just 37 years old. As we've noted before, giving the response isn't always a stepping-stone to future success. One past responder who's back in the news: former Washington Gov. Gary Locke, who is "likely" to be Obama's Commerce pick.

*** Three times a charm? Speaking of Locke, it appears Obama has settled on the former governor to be his third pick to lead Commerce (following the failed Bill Richardson and Judd Gregg appointments). Locke, a Chinese-American, has done a slew of trade missions to China, particularly when he was governor of Washington, which happens to be a big free-trade state. This is actually a big deal to business since he's a free-trade guy.

*** Another summit? President Obama let slip yesterday that he'll be convening yet another summit at the White House next week -- this one on health care. It was pretty clear yesterday, and will be clearer tonight, that the administration is going to make a strong push to get major health-care legislation passed in the next few months. But don’t expect a drawn-out battle. That was one of the lessons that everyone learned from the 1990s… If major health-care legislation isn't passed by the Fourth of July, can it get passed before the Nov. 2010 elections?

*** On Capitol Hill today: Per NBC’s Ken Strickland, Senate Democratic leaders say they're optimistic they'll have the 60 votes needed today to advance a bill that would give DC voting rights with a seat in the House of Representatives. (It would also give Utah an additional House seat.) While a successful vote would be a giant step forward for DC voting rights advocates, Strick says, several additional steps remain on both sides of the Capitol and likely before the courts. The vote is procedural, designed to break a filibuster on the bill. Once that hurdle is cleared, the bill then must push its way through the amendment process, which could include contentious measures on things like DC gun rights. What’s more, the House has yet to pass its version of the bill, which is slightly different from the Senate version. And even if/when both chambers pass the same bill, it’s all but guaranteed to face immediate court challenges on the constitutionality of giving the DC a voting seat in the House. That part to the process could take years to resolve.

*** Remember that Solis confirmation? Strickland also notes that while it seems apparent to Senate Democrats that Hilda Solis will eventually be confirmed as Obama’s Labor secretary, Republicans are making Majority Leader Harry Reid jump through hoops to get her there. This morning, Solis' nomination will face a procedural vote on the Senate floor that neither Eric Holder nor Timothy Geithner faced in their somewhat bumpy rides to confirmation. This vote will happen immediately following the one on DC voting rights. Strick adds that Republicans are forcing Reid to muster 60 votes to advance the nomination because of her ties to a pro-labor lobbying group, as well as her support for the contentious Employee Free Choice Act. Reid's office is optimistic that the majority leader will be able to reach an agreement with Republicans for Solis to have her final confirmation vote before week's end, possibly as early as this afternoon.

Countdown to NJ GOP primary: 98 days
Countdown to VA Dem primary: 105 days
Countdown to Election Day 2009: 252 days
Countdown to Election Day 2010: 616 days

Click here to sign up for First Read emails.
Text FIRST to 622639, to sign up for First Read alerts to your mobile phone.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

No more important speech than one that sets the tone on policy and direction for what could potentially be years.The recession and general economic crisis is not going away anytime soon, so Obama's fix as defined tonight will be the way forward indefinitely.

And to avoid a market meltdown, Obama will need to give out more details than he's accustomed to

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:29 AM)

Lynn Wheatly : '...I'll stand by me claim that governments don't lay anyone off...'

Lynn, I hate to confuse you with facts.....
But, the State of California is laying off 10,000 workers
Even after we got our budget

It has also been putting employees on leave for 2 days a month, effectively cutting eheir pay by 10% or so

But, don't let me interrupt your pontifications ...

What are your theories on religion ??

MSierra, SF

Again, for the ones that are slow to catch on. 10,000 California workers being laid off amounts to less then 1% of all the government workers in that state.

California, as you would expect is the #1 state for the number of government workers employed. California in fact has well over a million (closer to 1.5 million) government workers. 10,000 workers being laid off is less then 1% of the work force. That type of lay off is usually done through attrition, i.e., people retiring, quitting, or being terminated for poor performance (yeah, like that happens).

As for the temporary furloughs, people in private industry should be so lucky to get that deal. Whereas the government worker loses a day or two of pay a month, workers in private industry lose 20 days of pay a month when they are laid off, and that’s forever. In addition to that, the furloughed government worker does lose a day or two of pay a month, but none of their benefits. Try getting that deal in the private sector.

And what does Obama do to solve the problem? Does he bail out private industries? No, (except for the Banks which he’s in the process of nationalizing, along with a token contribution to the automakers because of the unions) he bails out the inefficient and wasteful state governments. That’s insane.

So MSirrera – glad to have had the opportunity to clear all this up for you.

Lynn Wheatly (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:32 AM)

Well it’s here. When I think back to the early days of the campaign, as I was listening to each of the candidates, it was pretty clear to me early on that Barack Obama stood apart from the rest of the candidates. I can’t put my finger on it exactly why I thought this. Maybe that was the point.

And so now we have President Obama about to go before Congress for the first time, just 5 weeks into his Presidency. This is why I voted for him. I didn’t want a typical President because I knew these weren’t typical times. Tonight I hope he shows us why he’s not. Perhaps we already know why. This Administration has been working 24/7, not because these are the best of times, but because these are the worst of times.

I don’t know what the president is going to say this evening. What I do know is that I’m happy that it will be Barack Obama speaking to us at this moment in time. Sometimes the right thing to do is to simply be honest. This is one of those times.

This is our country. But it’s a big country, and it’s an old country. We all must do our part to help it move forward. President Obama is without a doubt the right man at the right time to set out this agenda.

It is up to us to do the rest. Winter is just about over.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:33 AM)

I hope the republicans do keep trying to retain their base. This puts them further out of touch with mainstream America and pushes more Independents to the democrats. Hence the latest polls numbers. And Sen.John Thune is in denial. He thinks the questions asked are why the polls favor the democrats.

Steve Lynchburg, VA (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:33 AM)

It's difficult to believe that there is already THIS much maneuvering for 2012, but Mitt Romney's decision to rush to the rescue of the 12 House Republicans that are facing DCCC attacks for their opposition to the stimulus is obviously designed to portray Romney as a chief opponent to Obama. The contrast to a potential rival like Crist is clear: http://campaigndiaries.com/2009/02/23/meet-the-undaunted-dozen/

Dan, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:35 AM)

that the administration is going to make a strong push to get major health-care legislation passed in the next few months.

=========

The Democrats are in a hurry. They know that past 2010 they won't have the votes to pass their socialist agenda. People are going to be really angry when they continue to lose their retirement accounts because of the market, and in addition they'll have to pay for all the "Free" health care they are getting, among all the other socialist programs is trying to pass.

Andy North, Ravenswood, MD (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:36 AM)

Where's the love and compassion so needed in these times of peril?...More bickering and bad taste sure seems like that "change" we voted for has not worked..
Change Washington is still not there yet...
The slippery slope of public serve has turned a blind eye again...

BJ, CA (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:39 AM)

IM SURE THE REPUBLICANS WILL TAKE EVERY CHANCE THEY CAN TO PUNCE ON EVERYTHING PRESIDENT OBAMA SAYS TONIGHT WHETHER IT BE GOOD OR BAD!! THE GOOD THING IS THAT WHEN REPUKES DO THIS SORT OF THING IT JUST MAKES THEM LOOK A LITTLE MORE PATHETIC EACH AND EVERY TIME!! IN TURN REPUKES SAY AND DO ANYTHING YOU WANT BUT IT ONLY WILL FURTHER MY PARTIES WINS IN 2010 AND 2012!!!!

GSW DEMOCRATIC FAITHFUL (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:41 AM)

I am really looking forward to the President's speech tonight.

You know what I find ironic? That during the campaign, Candidate Obama was derided for being too hopeful.

Now, President Obama is criticized for being too realistic with the American people about what is happening with the economy.

Let me let the media in on a little secret - we already know how bad the economy is! We've known it for YEARS!

Do you really think that because you make a little happy talk on TV, that we don't see what's going on?

Don't flatter yourselves.
___________________________________________________

To Banker Guy:

Yesterday you wrote, in part:

"I work in banking and what you have written has no standing whatsoever. You want to see the impact of CRA? Go into any branch of any bank that is within five miles of an economically depressed area. Everyone of those banks, if they don't want the regulators all over them, has loans that they know they will never see paid. Ask to see their public files, the CRA requires that they keep one and provide it upon request. "

======================================
So you are basically telling me that because you work at a bank, you have noticed than when the economy goes south, areas that are already “economically depressed” are hardest hit.

You don’t say.

I suppose that poor people defaulting on their little $65,000 homes is the reason that housing values were exploding from 10% - 25% a year in some areas while most people’s wages remained stagnant.

And I suppose that the poor people defaulting on their little $65,000 homes forced banking executives to pay themselves more than 300 times what their employees earn.

And of course if it weren’t for poor people defaulting on their little $65,000 homes, Bernie Madoff wouldn’t have had to create his 50 billion dollar ponsy scheme.

Those dastardly poor people in “economically depressed areas” have a heck of a lot of nerve trying to own their own homes on the substandard wages they are earning from the unregulated corporations that refuse to pay them a living wage all while the management of these same institutions can afford to purchase homes on each coast.

Well I suppose you really set me straight on that. What was I thinking?

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:42 AM)

I am sure that President Obama is going to give a great speech tonight. It will be interesting to hear what he has too say to our nation. Observing the conference/summit at the White House yesterday, was politically interesting to watch. President Obama let everyone in the room know who is in command, and kept everyone on task. This President keeps on impressing me so far. As for "Jerk Jindal's" rebuttal tonight. It will be interesting to watch if responds to all of President Obama's speech, or just the parts that will earn him points with his politically backwards party base. Time to move forward America!

Rock,Janesville,Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:43 AM)

FR: Obama taking questions from these folks resembled a formal White House press conference, or better yet the British prime minister’s question hour with Parliament.

It's real nice that Obama provides the press with pleasent images, but at some point Obama is going to have to provide some results. None to date have been seen. None that are positive anyway.

And if you look at Obama, he's had the worst start of nearly any President. The stock market has gone down the most for any new President, except for Jerry Ford, who was dealing with the Nixon resignation crisis and run away inflation. Obama's staff is completely out of control, he can't even get his full cabinet seated. Obama's Treasury Secretary doesn't pay his taxes, then says he has a plan, which turns out to be nothing more then scribbles on yellow Post-It notes.

Imagery is nice. Results are better. Obama gets an A for imagery, a F for results.

Teacher Sandra (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:43 AM)

Sometimes watching current events is like watching a movie with its drama, comedy, plots and subplots. Now and then events make sense and we are inclined to interpret and predict what will happen next.

Paul Krugman talks about banks that have more debt than assets. Several of the largest 20 banks are now now called "zombie banks" (love those funny names) because they are not willing or able to make loans. President Obama does not use words like, "nationalizing the banks", but it will come to that. AIG, CitiCorp, BoA will be regulated and likely owned by the government.
So, who else has debt greater than their assets? Besides the majority of the American people: GM and Chrysler. Most will argue that it is in the national interest to have an auto industry, but what will it look like? Chrysler will go the way of Studebaker, American Motors (Nash). Ford will likely remain private and become the major auto company. G.M. will likely never be able to make a car as well as Honda and Toyota. Why? Becuase Toyota and Honda are continuing to improve their product. Even with government bailout money, G.M.'s market share will decline. It's gonna happen. So how does this real life movie end? My guess is Ford and G.M. will merge and we will have one car company that is both private and public.

BTW, President Obama's poll numbers are closer to 65% than 60% and the congressional GOP numbers are in the toilet. John Boehner has learned to keep his mouth shut...and so will Eric Cantor.

Ron Indiana (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:46 AM)

From a previous post: Ed Crane, Middlebury, IN (Sent Monday, February 23, 2009 5:10 PM)
Obama is the boss now and responsible for taking the market back to the lowest level since the Clinton stock market crash in October of 1997.

Much has been conveniently forgotten about that time it seems by many.

More 250 points drops in a day than many can remember for a president in his first month.

What about what's left of my 401K?

NO ED I Have Not Forgot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have not forgotton about that time. You see, my small amount of investments more that doubled during a 3 year period while Clinton was in office. He also left the country with a surplus. Oh Yes I Do Remember Those Day Well! ! ! I would gladly take them back any time! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
When “W” became President they started to drop and now they are nearly nothing. I would have a hard time buying a good used car with them now! I know what happened to my 401K!

H. Martin, Louisville, KY (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:51 AM)

One example why Obama is winning the charm war -- and why Republicans are not -- was yesterday’s televised Q&A with congressional Democrats, Republicans, and policy experts at the conclusion of his “Fiscal Responsibility Summit.”
---------------------------------------------

Obama has shown he's not afraid of taking questions from audiences who haven't been pre-screened to remove anyone who might not be an ardent admirer. That's courage and boldness that was sadly lacking in the last president. Bush was real macho about sending other people to get killed in his wars, but he was too much of a coward to take an uncomfortable question from a citizen.

Houston (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:53 AM)

"The Q&A was a great example of the power of the bully pulpit, and why Obama is winning the bipartisanship argument without necessarily being bipartisan (outside of soliciting GOP opinions without really acting on them). " - First Read
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Why do you type stuff like this when it's not true.

President Obama removed several items from and added several items to the Stimulus package based on Republican input.

Several Republican members of Congress are currently crowing about things they had added to the bill (even though they still voted against it).

How do I know all this? Because FIRST READ TOLD ME!

AMT patch? Largest TAX CUT in HISTORY? Cutting education spending to earn Republican votes?

And now you say the President isn't "really" being bipartisan?

Do your read what you typed before you press send?

Nashville_fan (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:57 AM)

Trying to play to the base gave the Repubs the magical ticket of Palin/McCain. How did that work out for them? Keep up the good work and that same failed strategy and you could produce a ticket in 2012 of Palin/Steele.

No one can say that change has not come to America and to Washington. This President has not done everything perfectly, but he told us that he would make mistakes. I believe the American people see that he is working for us and that is why his popularity has remained consistently high. Most of the Republicans are so egotistically political that they can't see what the public sees---an earnest President making the most of the legacy he has been given by the previous administration. This President will not play games and the Obstructionist Party has not figured out how to operate without playing games.

You're Doing A Great Job, Mr. President!

J. Ellis, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:57 AM)

Tonight's address will be more of the same B.S. that is becoming synonymous with Barack Obama. His rhetoric will be another dismal attempt to persuade Americans to believe in the Pelosi/Reid/Obama "Stimulus" that is selling America down the long and winding road into oblivion.

Remember that the plan is designed to enhance and prop up the liberal left and their organizations first and then, somewhere in the stimulus, about 25% of the money is committed to the American economy, but not immediately. That will be decided at a later date.

Obama is trying his best to get the American public dependent on government, which will stifle this nation in the long run.

I would suggest that Americans run their own lives without Big Brother interference. Obama is in this game to fulfill an agenda, no matter what his insideous message carries tonight.

Monkberry Moon (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:59 AM)

Tonights address from The Obama? More of the lofty platitudesfrom the Great One, but don't look for any results any time soon. And everything he mentions will cost every American taxpayer more money.

Stan Evans-Chance, Colesville, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:01 AM)

"...and why Obama is winning the bipartisanship argument without necessarily being bipartisan (outside of soliciting GOP opinions without really acting on them)."
____________
Bipartisanship I have come to discover simply means a change in tone. It doesn't mean each bill is going to be 50-50. I don't think people understand this. A Democrat is in the White House. The next four years will see a democratic agenda. That's the way it works. So the GOP would I think be better served to stop their crying ways. They lost.

For good reason. The only adult I have seen in the room this past month is Barack Obama. He is dealing with a bunch of spoiled rich kids up on the Hill who no longer can be the bullies of the neighborhood. We have tuned them out. We beat them fair and square. It's the Democrats' turn.

Red Sox/NYY anyone?

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:03 AM)

President Obama needs to talk to the country, because if he does not, the media will try to speak for him and they never get it right.

The media claimed for a long time - “he needs to explain to the people what this all means". Remember Chris Matthews - constant remember and plug.

But, then when he "talks" to the American people - the media then calls it Rhetoric or speeches.

You guys are a bunch of "sags" and doing good is not good enough - but President Obama will continue to do good, then maybe you media folks can stop looking or talking about the bad - right Matthews and Cramer.

As much as the media try to dictate our President's agenda and his meanings, it is good to know that he won't allow you guys to control them and we won't allow you guys to persuade U.S.

The Media is necessary - no doubt. But, some members of the media - forget their place and tend to think they are above our political system and even our President.

Don’t get it twisted

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:03 AM)

"Obama is winning the bipartisanship argument without necessarily being bipartisan (outside of soliciting GOP opinions without really acting on them)." for many of us who support president obama's arra, and while there is a great deal of money in it for infrastructure, we would have liked to see more money but for the tax cuts added in consideration of the gop's philosophy.

president obama made it very clear many times, the arra was two fold - recovery of our economy now and reinvestment for america's long term future; it is the "reinvestment" monies the gop has labeled as "pork" and "spending." one could argue the gop has a legitimate policy difference ( if it weren't so clear they are being obstructionist for political reasons;) but not that he did not consider, listen to and put in the bill their tax cuts.

sbv, creswell, oregon (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:04 AM)

Pat from Boston--I couldn't agree with you more. I'm still not over the feeling of relief that there is competency in the Oval Office with President Obama. I don't agree with everything he says or does and there have been some missteps but I think he is bringing both his remarkable intellect and energy to the job and his whole team is working their hardest to repair the damage of the past 8 years.

I still don't think the Republicans' tactics will ultimately be successful--I think they are out of touch with just how bad things are in the country and how much people want action not arguing.

Steeler Fan Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:06 AM)

>>>Republicans need to worry about keeping their remaining customer base happy. And while that isn't playing well right now, do they have another choice? That's the conundrum for the GOP right now.
==========
Considering the makeup of their "base" (bible-thumping, gun-toting bigots), that doesn't seem to do much for them. It doesn't say much when you're using Joe [not] the Plumber for financial advice.

New Blog Entry Today - Obama's Citizenship!
http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:08 AM)

Fix it ! Just fix it !

Broke in Fort Myers, Florida (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:09 AM)

If Jindal is not running for president in 2010, he sure is looking like he is running. I remember McCain continuously denied he would seek the white house in 2008. Obviously, the Republican goal is to show diversity, while preaching a southern state right’s argument. The republican puppet masters do not care who is elected as a republican. The puppet master will pull the republican presidents strings and ensure he does not drift far off message. The republicans are all about talking points, staying on message and ensuring the wealthy rule. The republicans are master of deception. The republicans tout out the little guy, like Joe the plumber, and use these paid pundits to sell the so-called middle class dream. Their motto is , if it is good for the rich, then it will be good for America.

TEC-Spring-Tx (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:10 AM)

katiec Pekin, IL (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:11 AM)

Hope this new guy Obama is hiring has paid his taxes LOL.

Apart from Chuckie Schumer, I have never seen anyone fight to get his face on television more then Obama. makes it look like the world is coming to an end and he is the only one who can save it LOL.

However, since the MSM is reporting that some of the pork money will take years to get down to the towns and whoever applies for it, there will come a time when all his gum flapping will mean nothing.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:13 AM)

Obama, please don't start shaking at the podium tonight, or worse, start sucking on that cigarette that you need so badly. You're gonna wind up looking like Elvis.

Oh, and stop screwing American workers to help the slackers in this country. You can't change people that are born and bred lazy.

Choking Smokers (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:15 AM)

Pat,Boston, MA - This is our country. But it’s a big country, and it’s an old country

You don't know much about world history, do you?

BK Patterson, NH (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:21 AM)

I for one hope that The president calls each one of the obstructionist out ,one by one by name,let all those that are watching who is more interested in them self's,They would rather listen to a talk show host then the people of this country.People need to remember who got this mess started,and hold them responsible at the voting booth.I have all the faith in the world that at least Obama is trying to restore the damage that the last admin did,not only here at home but abroad.We voted for change,we expect a leader that has the ability and the Knowledge that one needs to change coarse,There's a new captain at the tiller,time to raise the sails and get this show on the road.

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:21 AM)

It's finally happened and it's about time.

Just one month after the Obama inauguration people are taking to the streets in opposition to his STIMULUS BILL.

Demonstrations in all major cities and more courtesy of the New American Tea Party. And the demonstrations will not be limited to one day. They are the beginning of an ongoing slam at our current government, simple protesting that will not stop.

Stay tuned ............

Moon Dawg (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:21 AM)

Plain and simple.

If Obama is a true leader, he will stand up and demonstrate his ability to get people to buy into what his plan is.

At this point, he has not shown he has one and is feeling his way with his team as he goes. Not a comfortable position for Americans looking for leadership, or the rest of the world for that part.

The worst thing he can do is stand there and try to point a finger at the past. It's done, it's over and he's in charge. We benefit none in hearing blame placed on Bush. It does none of use any good at this point.

He wanted and ran for this office for over two years and it is time for him to stand up, don't look for excuses and Lead this country to prosperity. That is why he was elected. He said he could do it and American's voted believeing he could.

Now is the time to put his abilities in to action. No more talking, just delivery. If he can not get the stock market going in the right direction, he needs to start over on his support team because there is no time to waste on less than excellence in job performance.

Pete, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:21 AM)

I am so tired of hearing about people crying over losing their retirement benefits! I plan to retire next year, and have watched the market closely the past few years. In 2007 I transfered my investments from the stock market to a Money Market acct. where it's safe.

Anyone not planning to retire in the next few years will be fine! "This too shall pass" and the market will rebound stronger than ever.

Anyone investing in the current market should keep in mind, 'Never invest more than you're willing to loose'. But, keep in mind - you're buying low - there's no where to go but up!

I doubled my investment in the market - I knew when to 'hold them', and when to 'fold them'...

Am I an Econ Major? Nope - basic math principles and common sense.

Lyn, KCMO (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:22 AM)

why Obama is winning the bipartisanship argument without necessarily being bipartisan (outside of soliciting GOP opinions without really acting on them).
--------------------------------------------------
A perfectly captured thought. He's all show when it comes to soliciting those opinions, and has no intention of ever listening to them. And no one calls him on it.

Spend baby spend (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:22 AM)

If there become a revolution because the American people are tired of others playing with their money and lives - then I only hope the the first places to get sacked or the Media HQ's starting with FOX - because you guys are the voices for the conversative Wall Street scumbags.

keep it up MEDIA (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:23 AM)

Will the new polls convince my party (for now anyway)-the Republicans-that their tactics are not working? Sadly,probably not. They keep recycling old, tired ideas or worse just whining without any alternative plans.

I'd say the GOP united front against the stimulus backfired if 63% of people support the package. Ouch! I will be listening carefully to Jindal's response tonight. I used to have great respect for him but it seems he is putting party before country in rejecting unemployment benefits for struggling people in Louisiana (aka grandstanding.) Apparently, the extreme right has gotten to him with threats and misguided advice. People like Gov. Crist give me hope that there are still some sensible,moderate Republicans willing to stand up for what's right.

More examples of the GOP being out of touch this week...I can't believe Republican Senator Shelby actually questioned Pres. Obama's citizenship. Not only is it nuts, it's illogical to spend a second on such nonsense when every American is focused on big issues like the economy and jobs. He truly owes Pres. Obama and the American people a huge apology!

This Republican fully supports President Obama and the GOP sure has some work to do to keeps moderates like me from jumping ship.

Proud member of RepublicansforObama.org

Izzy Buffalo, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:27 AM)

Well, I would hope that one's LABOR Secy. is
pro-labor. Unlike the figureheads Pres. Bush had in various positions. It's supposed to be that labor groups are to benefit workers. Even though they went to far and are now dying. Unlike Health lobbyists that are often for insurance companies that don't want to pay and help people who are ill. Thus working against the purposes of health care and health professionals.
Is there anything at all constructive, mature, intelligent or useful that the REPUBLICANS are doing??

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:29 AM)

Lynn Wheatly (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 9:32 AM)

at this point in time, the government shouldn't be laying anyone off. seeings how all the big corporations have sent the majority of the jobs to other countries for cheaper labor, and those companies who have stayed in the U.S. are laying off, closing down, or cutting back staff, if the government were to start laying off workers it would accelerate the unemployment problems that are at the heart of the economic crisis we are in.

but don't let a thing like circumstances get in the way of your ideology...

governments are made for one reason only: to control the economy. that is why civilization created governance in the first place, and it is really what is necessary right now. the government can act as the employer of last resort in economic meltdowns, and i personally think that the President's plan is going to do a good job of kick starting the economy over the next 6 months.

for too long our governments have allowed big business to control the direction and details of the economy, and as a result we find an increase in unemployment, wall street welfare, and no confidence because of the excesses of big business while the common person can barely feed their families.

the conservatives want to blame this lack of confidence on the new administration and their policies, but the reality of the situation suggests that this collapse has been years, even decades, in the making. we have repeated our own history and for some reason expected a different result. this is insanity.

the 3 keys to reversing this as i see it are: new cheaper energy sources that are made locally, jobs that are not susceptible to labor cost saving practices (i.e., outsourcing), and focusing on ethical business practices (no more shady books, predatory lending, and all the other copious practices that led wall street into this type of collapse).

so in reality, the government's real purpose is to be there to stabalize an economy in crisis, and shouldn't be decreasing its workforce, when that would only aggravate the existing problem, and create more families who are unable to make ends meet. The "free market" is a never obtained ideal, because without government oversight, regulation, and interaction we are destined to repeat the current crisis again in our future.

time to learn from mistakes instead of repeating them.

Tzalaran (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:29 AM)

We are now at the same point we were during the Bill Clinton Stock Market Crash of 1997!

We are now at the same point we were during the Bill Clinton Stock Market Crash of 1997!

We are now at the same point we were during the Bill Clinton Stock Market Crash of 1997!

We want action and results, not excuses tonight.

We want action and results, not excuses tonight.

We want action and results, not excuses tonight.

Me 3 Peat, Doster, GA (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:31 AM)

RE: Solis confirmation

Remember the days when the GOP mantra was "give presidential appointments an up or down vote"?

jbentley,Chicago,IL (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:33 AM)

I was curious to see Jindal on Meet The Press last Sunday. Like Obama, you are immediately struck by his intelligence, and that is reassuring. But Jindal quickly lost my confidence as it became evident he uses his intelligence to play political games, as when he argued smoothly the feds should pay to repair the levees and the destruction caused by Katrina because the levees were built by the feds in the first place. He has no problem soaking us for Katrina money and not calling it aid to his state. It's something we "owe" to Louisiana, but we don't owe it to Michigan to prevent the collapse of the auto industry, etc. He's just a wily coyote. Good for Louisiana maybe, but not for the rest of the country.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:34 AM)

The president has been in office a month!! And, yet you hear those who proclaim he should have already righted every wrong of these last eight years. Give him a break!!
The republicans continue to self destruct, putting their party, egos and inadequate ideas before the
survival of our country.
katiec Pekin, IL

It goes back more like the last 16 years if you want to be realistic. Remeber the stock market crash under Clinton in 1997?

Ed Crane, Middlebury, IN (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:34 AM)

>>>It's finally happened and it's about time.

Just one month after the Obama inauguration people are taking to the streets in opposition to his STIMULUS BILL.

Demonstrations in all major cities and more courtesy of the New American Tea Party. And the demonstrations will not be limited to one day. They are the beginning of an ongoing slam at our current government, simple protesting that will not stop.

Stay tuned ............
Moon Dawg (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:21 AM)

==========
Hooo Boy! The delusional ranting from the right continue. Pray tell, Moonie, exactly where are these demonstrations taking place? Perhaps some here want to join in. I assume this public service announcement you're putting out is based on some type of FACT, is it not?

http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:38 AM)

Pres. Obama does his version of Prime Minister's "QUESTION TIME"!
Only his was Monday (?) and Britain's is Wednesdays.
I think this is a great idea given the measure of this president. A secretive, inarticulate dunderhead would avoid it for sure. He can field anything. It is good for all of them participating. They actually have to think on their feet. In some cases, they actually have to THINK!
Time to weed out the jughead poseurs and get people in there who can actually get things done for the people and have half a brain.
Next-Press gaggle like FDR used to do-right in the Oval Office. Off the record? Keep it light? Rotate the press members present, but it's a pretty big room. Lesser presidents would avoid it, but this president, can speak to anyone. I remember blogging
during the primary that he could be to the press like JFK-has the wit, the charm and the intelligence. Also a bit of the aloofness. Oh, and the mutual respect.
Fits right in with reaching out and openness.

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:38 AM)

The president has been in office a month!! And, yet you hear those who proclaim he should have already righted every wrong of these last eight years. Give him a break!!
The republicans continue to self destruct, putting their party, egos and inadequate ideas before the
survival of our country.
katiec Pekin, IL

It's amazing how much damage one man can do in a month. Obama has exceeded all expectations in that regard.

Maybe it's Obama that needs to give the American people a break.

Kallie G., Illinois (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:38 AM)

Speaking from the professional side of the aisle, the portion of the Economic Stimulas passage that gives me heartburn, is the provision that allows laid-off workers to continue their Health Insurance through the ages old Cobra, but with 65% being picked up as a Federal subsidy. This way, the laid off workers are only liable for 35% of the monthly premium. I thought this was good, until I read and researched the mechanics behind this.
First of all, the Employer is the tool that pays the 65% to the insurance company. At the end of every quarter, the employer files their 941(a tax document every employer, small or big) must file with the IRS.This document simply lists the gross wages the employer paid for the quarter, the total Federal Tax withheld for the quarter, and the total Social Security and Medicare(known as FICA)taxes withheld for the quarter, plus the total of the employers match of the FICA withheld. This is as easy as the 941 filing is. When complete this form should equal the deposits the employer made each week, or each month depending on the size of the employer. The employer is required to deposit the total withholdings.
Now the good part! Beginnning with the 1st quarter of 2009, the 941 has added a new line(12a) to the form. The employer should list the total amount he has paid for the 65% Cobra participants. The employer will receive a "credit" for this amount!!!! So, an already cash-strapped employer is paying the 65% subsidy up front, and the government will give them a credit on their 941 for the amount. And of course, the money is coming from an account set up for none other than Social Security!!! Not to even go to the red tape involved in an employer really getting the funds they fronted!!

Mary Lansing (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:39 AM)

Lynn Wheatly: 10,000 people = "nothing" Thank you for that lesson in right wing accounting.

"the opposition's official response,"

What could that be? We hate how your trying to dig us out of the whole we put this nation in by rubber stamping the worst president in history?

Lee in CA (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:40 AM)

Such a shame that EVERYTHING we are seeing and hearing from the Republicans is "death wish" politics. The GOP leader, Rush Limbaugh, wants the President to fail. And why not? If he succeeds, it will clearly demonstrate that the GOP is clueless. It's all on the line for the GOP, they know it and they have no new ideas, just the same tired old "let's give tax breaks to our buddies and trust them to do the right thing" mantra. Yeah, that's really worked out well hasn't it?

So, GOP, please continue with your unassisted suicide by playing to your ever-shrinking base. It won't be long until all you guys will need is a high school gym to hold your national convention -- and still have extra capacity. Perhaps that's the problem: The GOP just can't get their small minds around the huge problem. And why shoud they? After all, "the fundamentals of the economy are strong" aren't they Senator McCain?

Craig, Sterling, VA (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:41 AM)

He's our President. I didn't vote for him nor do I agree with him on 90% of the issues. Yet he's our President. I'll be watching and yelling at the TV.

Rob, from Iowa (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:42 AM)

Big Business should pack up and leave America and move to more business friendly countries.

The climate here towards Big Business in now Hostile and they are not welcomed.

They should take their business out of this country and enjoy a more friendly host. We are pushing them out as hard as we can.

Ed Crane, Middlebury, IN (Sent Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:42 AM)

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=1806180