Obama Tells GOP: I Won

[one...two...tree 2,762]

President Obama is, for good or ill, making a sincere effort to work with congressional Republicans, most notably on an economic stimulus package. That doesn't mean, however, that's he's going to get pushed around.

President Obama listened to Republican gripes about his stimulus package during a meeting with congressional leaders Friday morning -- but he also left no doubt about who's in charge of these negotiations. "I won," Obama noted matter-of-factly, according to sources familiar with the conversation.

In context, Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) told the president that the Democratic plan to give a tax credit to those who don't pay income taxes isn't a tax cut, but rather, a check. Obama responded that this was a common point of debate during the presidential campaign -- McCain/Palin called Obama's plan "welfare" -- and voters were not swayed by Republican arguments. "I won," Obama told lawmakers.

So, Obama wasn't throwing too sharp an elbow, but it was nevertheless a not-so-subtle reminder to the minority party. There are two sides to this debate, and one of them has the backing of the American electorate, and was endorsed after a national campaign based on a specific policy platform. Hint to Kyl: it's not your side.

I can only hope the president keeps this in mind as the negotiations continue. It's very gracious of him to try to bring in the failed and unpopular party to work on these issues, but before any major concessions are made, that single phrase -- "I won" -- should be front and center.

It's already drawing complaints from the right, with suggestions that Obama is being insufficiently "bipartisan" by stating that his position is superior to the Republican/losing position. But that seems to miss the point -- Obama is willing to work with the minority party on this, and he's even willing to weaken his own stimulus plan to accommodate their concerns.

But there are lines he's not going to cross. That's not rigid partisanship; it's negotiating from a position of strength.

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Sounds like this:

During the first press conference after his re-election, Bush said, "I earned capital in the campaign, political capital, and now I intend to spend it. It is my style."

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Sounds like this:

During the first press conference after his re-election, Bush said, "I earned capital in the campaign, political capital, and now I intend to spend it. It is my style."

Not at all. Obama specified that what Sen. Kyle was arguing for was what McCain campaigned on and he lost. That's not a cart blanche to do whatever he wants, but he should be able to go to Congress with what he campaigned on and won the election on.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

That's what Bush meant too

[Jasman0717 9]

Just give it all to me and I will sort out what to do with it

[Pooky 3,794]

Sounds like this:

During the first press conference after his re-election, Bush said, "I earned capital in the campaign, political capital, and now I intend to spend it. It is my style."

Sounds more like this:

Neener neener neener, it's mine and not yours

Just because they lost doesn't mean they aren't right about particular issues.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Yea, Republicans, get back! The only ones who can push Obama around are the open borders groups, gays, anti-Gitmo agitators, radical environmentalists, tax cheats, ethnic self-interest groups, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.

[mox 298]

Sounds more like this:

Neener neener neener, it's mine and not yours

Just because they lost doesn't mean they aren't right about particular issues.

In a Democracy it does.

Which is why it's important to continue to challenge the Congress and President, and to make our thoughts and ideas heard.

With regards to Obama's comment, I think it's just typical political posturing. Politics isn't a tea party, and a lot of things are said at the table that aren't meant for public consumption; this was one of them. Anyone here who is in management understands what he said, especially if you've ever been promoted over your fellow co-workers. You're always going to get one or more of them who resent the fact that you're no longer their equal, and they will challenge you. It's important to be firm from the get-go, to make them understand that you are, in fact, in charge.

Edited January 24, 2009 by mox

[luckytxn 2,264]

I like confidence and Obama the Socialist is very confident that his party will hold the strings of power for many years.

[Pooky 3,794]

I like confidence and Obama the Socialist is very confident that his party will hold the strings of power for many years.

Very confident or overconfident?

The American public has a tendency to be very fickle with presidents, especially Democrat ones, when things goes wrong.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I like confidence and Obama the Socialist is very confident that his party will hold the strings of power for many years.

Don't mistake confidence for naivete.

[luckytxn 2,264]

No, Obama is very confident. I like that but he is going to find out that he is really just one of many. Each other Rep and Sen is also confident and have huge Egos to match. There is a huge reason that usually the house turns over in mid term elections. If that happens again then the Neocons will be in and Obama will find himself having a tough time. A spokesperson of that party will then be up there and say to the press the exact same thing. Obama will remember what he said. The changes everyone thought would happen will need to be done in the next two years. I am seeing no change from the last regime so far.

[Yoink 7]

No, Obama is very confident. I like that but he is going to find out that he is really just one of many. Each other Rep and Sen is also confident and have huge Egos to match. There is a huge reason that usually the house turns over in mid term elections. If that happens again then the Neocons will be in and Obama will find himself having a tough time. A spokesperson of that party will then be up there and say to the press the exact same thing. Obama will remember what he said. The changes everyone thought would happen will need to be done in the next two years. I am seeing no change from the last regime so far.

Its been 4 days!

And signing the closing of Gitmo and preparing to push through the largest economic stimulus in history isn't doing anything?

p.s. I didnt' vote for McCain or Obama

[rebeccajo 14]

I like confidence and Obama the Socialist is very confident that his party will hold the strings of power for many years.

Don't mistake confidence for naivete.

Don't confuse them either.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I like confidence and Obama the Socialist is very confident that his party will hold the strings of power for many years.

Don't mistake confidence for naivete.

Don't confuse them either.

lol