The AP says that Obama was "scrambling" yesterday to calm Americans unnerved by unemployment rates still persistently rising nearly four months after he signed the biggest economic stimulus in history."
The Los Angeles Times reports that Obama "billed" the stimulus "as an adrenaline jolt," but the economy is "still sputtering." More positive is the report in the New York Times, which describes Obama as a President "now in the position of trying to convince Americans that...his signature legislative achievement thus far...is working, even as the job losses mount." Also positive is the report on AFP, which says "the 10 new projects announced included improvements on 98 airports and over 1,500 highways, federal funding for 135,000 education jobs and maintenance work at 359 military bases and other facilities."51% Disapprove Of Obama's Handling Of Spending
The Wall Street Journal reports that "a Gallup poll released Monday showed for the first time that a majority, 51%, disapprove of Mr. Obama's handling of federal spending." Meanwhile, "support for his handling of the economy overall has slipped, according to Gallup, with 55% approving and 42% disapproving, as opposition among Republicans has hardened." The Washington Times notes, however, that Obama "remains more popular than either of his two immediate predecessors at this point in his presidency, with a 67 percent overall approval rating."
Key Decisions Loom In Healthcare Debate
Media reports suggest the outlines of the healthcare reform debate are about to be defined, with key policy decisions looming. Coverage of the proposals made by congressional Democrats and the Administration remains mostly positive, with some sources noting bipartisanship is already fraying.
The Wall Street Journal reports, "Two pressure points are emerging in Congress's rush to pass health-care legislation by the August break: how to pay for the package and whether to create a new public health-insurance plan." Fox News' Special Report reported, "Several Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee sent President Obama a letter today warning against insisting on a government health insurance option for the middle class." The Washington Times reports, "Stirred by President Obama's warnings of rising costs, Congress is shaping sweeping health care reform plans that could create a public health insurance program and a mandate that all Americans carry insurance."
The Hill reports a debate "over creating a government-run insurance plan as part of sweeping healthcare reform intensified Monday, putting President Obama's prospects for signing legislation with strong bipartisan support in jeopardy."
Likewise, CNN's The Situation Room reported, "Battle lines appear to be hardening right now over...healthcare. On one side, Democrats with their ideas for health reform. On the other, Republicans suggesting gloom and doom if Democrats get their way."
Business Opposition May Become Vocal Roll Call reports as health care reform "takes shape in the House and Senate and shows signs of veering decidedly left, business lobbyists are considering joining their Republican allies and mounting a public relations offensive to put the brakes on President Barack Obama's overhaul plans." As legislative details "have emerged in recent days and suggested the business community could be stuck with costly mandates and a government-run, public plan option, lobbying groups are preparing to step up their opposition messaging."
Auto Parts Suppliers To Seek $8-10 Billion
The Washington Post reports that auto parts suppliers "are planning to ask the Obama administration for an additional $8 billion to $10 billion in federal aid." The Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association "is preparing to present its proposal for several aid programs tomorrow during a meeting with the president's autos task force."
War Funding Bill "Sidetracked" In Congress
The AP reports that President Barack Obama's "penchant for last-minute demands, and a rebellion by liberal allies over his efforts to block the release of detainee abuse photos, have combined to sidetrack his bill to pay for an expanded war in Afghanistan as well as continuing military operations in Iraq." The $100 billion measure "is awaiting a House-Senate conference committee after winning easy approval last month in both chambers, but an emerging compromise on the bill has become caught in the crosscurrents coming from both Obama's left and right on Capitol Hill."
Latest From Late Night Comedians
David Letterman: "The newest nominee for the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor, broke her ankle at LaGuardia Airport. Broke it in three places. And listen to this, at least two of those breaks have to be approved by the Senate."
David Letterman: "You know who was in town this weekend, went to a Yankee game? Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska. ... And she was up there with Rudy Giuliani. They were sitting together. And their seats were, well, let me tell you where their seats were. They were way, way in far right field. They were so far right. Crazy."
![[Powered By MySQL]](/images/mysql-04.gif)
Copyright Notice: All entries are copyright (and the responsibility of) their respective authors.
