Things are certainly heating up for the November midterm polls especially with just less than 4 weeks left before that historic moment. Democrats are in an uncomfortable situation especially when recent polls suggest that people grew weary and tired of the failures of the Obama administration. Anger and frustration are the main themes of the upcoming polls with much criticisms all directed to the Democratically-controlled House and Senate. With this, several Democratic candidates are stepping up their efforts to overcome their tough Republican rivals. In fact, three Midwestern Democrats have recently launched attack ads against their GOP candidates tagging them as an unethical insider who cannot be trusted.
In the Indiana Senate race, Democratic candidate and representative Brad Ellsworth is facing a stiff challenge against the well-funded Republican candidate Dan Coats. Recent polls by EPIC-MRA suggest that Coats is leading by 18 points against Ellsworth. Also, the recent Rasmussen Reports telephone survey also tells that Coats is leading Ellsworth with a 50% to 29% margin. In an effort to reverse the expected results, Ellsworth launched an ad that branded Coats as a lobbyist who sold out Indiana to line his pockets and supported controversial free trade laws. Democrats now believe that Anti-Washington attacks may well work for the Democratic Party too.
The Democratic Party is now strongly looking at the strategy of pairing Republicans to special interest and also linking them to corruption. Democratic Senate candidate to Missouri Robin Carnahan recently launched a new attack ad against her Republican rival Rep. Roy Blunt. The ad pointed Blunt to have sold earmarks in exchange for campaign contributions. It also explains how Blunt received a huge chunk of money days after million-dollar congressional earmark is passed. Blunt is also rumored to have used his congressional immunity in order to not get prosecuted. Her ads may have worked like a charm especially that recent polls suggest that Carnahan is only lagging by a single digit margin.
In the state of Wisconsin, Democratic candidate Russel Feingold is also stepping on the gas and has recently launched attack ads directed towards not only his rival, Ron Johnson, but to the whole Republican party as well. His ads depict the excessive celebrations undertaken by Republicans such as in football games. Feingold mentioned “It’s exactly the kind of behavior the corporate special interests and Ron Johnson are engaging in”. He also added “They’re dancing in the end zone because they think they’re going to take down the U.S. senator who’s been named the No. 1 enemy of Washington lobbyists. With barely 4 weeks to go, we expect more political ads to surface especially that numerous candidates are in the tick of the tide in their respective races.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
1st White House Summit on Community Colleges: Increasing Competitiveness
In line with his aim to improve the U.S. educational system and increase its competitiveness in the global arena, President Barack Obama announced last Tuesday that he expects to see community colleges producing 5 million more graduates by year 2020. This is in line with his belief that schools are equally important in maintaining the future competitiveness of America especially in the field of economics and finance. Pres. Obama, while at the East Room during a White House summit on community colleges, said that his purpose is to boost the schools that provide millions of students with skills training and knowledge.
With today’s academic institutions facing high dropout rates, Obama is devising ways to improve the education system. The president tagged community colleges as “unsung heroes of America's education system”. Though they may not be as attractive as other universities and though they may not receive more funds just like the others, these colleges are in fact the gateway for millions of Americans unto getting jobs and earning a source of living. He also used the event to accuse congressional Republicans of planning to cut education spending which will deprive community colleges of the needed resources to provide quality education millions of Americans.
Vice President Joe Biden, who used to taught the English subject at community colleges for 17 out of the his 30 years as an educator, said the following words “Community colleges are entering a new day in America” and “For more and more people, community colleges are the way to the future. They're giving real opportunity to students who otherwise wouldn't have it. They're giving hope to families who thought the American dream was slipping away”.
A day before the event, Pres. Obama announced his new initiative for the education sector which aims to create a public-private partnership that will link the top business corporations of America to community colleges. It will devise a curriculum which will directly fit to the needed skill sets of these companies. Through this, students will have an easier time in searching for jobs in the future. Corporations such as Gap Inc., McDonald's and Accenture have already expressed their support for such initiative. It is also remembered previously Obama’s prosopal to increase the academic calendar. He sees this as a major barrier in increasing competitiveness of students. By adding another 1 month in the academic calendar, American students will be able to remain competitive with the rest of the world.
The event was highlighted by various commitments from private institutions. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation owned by the world’s richest couple, Bill and Melinda Gates, announced the launching of the Completion by Design. It is a $35 million, five-year competitive grant program to boost community college graduation rates. Obama’s initiative to increase competitiveness in the education sector is also part of the president’s plan to save the economy. He sees the students as future leaders and holders of the economy. The president now has to put the pieces together in order to come up with one comprehensive educational system where every student is eligible to cheap yet quality education.
With today’s academic institutions facing high dropout rates, Obama is devising ways to improve the education system. The president tagged community colleges as “unsung heroes of America's education system”. Though they may not be as attractive as other universities and though they may not receive more funds just like the others, these colleges are in fact the gateway for millions of Americans unto getting jobs and earning a source of living. He also used the event to accuse congressional Republicans of planning to cut education spending which will deprive community colleges of the needed resources to provide quality education millions of Americans.
Vice President Joe Biden, who used to taught the English subject at community colleges for 17 out of the his 30 years as an educator, said the following words “Community colleges are entering a new day in America” and “For more and more people, community colleges are the way to the future. They're giving real opportunity to students who otherwise wouldn't have it. They're giving hope to families who thought the American dream was slipping away”.
A day before the event, Pres. Obama announced his new initiative for the education sector which aims to create a public-private partnership that will link the top business corporations of America to community colleges. It will devise a curriculum which will directly fit to the needed skill sets of these companies. Through this, students will have an easier time in searching for jobs in the future. Corporations such as Gap Inc., McDonald's and Accenture have already expressed their support for such initiative. It is also remembered previously Obama’s prosopal to increase the academic calendar. He sees this as a major barrier in increasing competitiveness of students. By adding another 1 month in the academic calendar, American students will be able to remain competitive with the rest of the world.
The event was highlighted by various commitments from private institutions. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation owned by the world’s richest couple, Bill and Melinda Gates, announced the launching of the Completion by Design. It is a $35 million, five-year competitive grant program to boost community college graduation rates. Obama’s initiative to increase competitiveness in the education sector is also part of the president’s plan to save the economy. He sees the students as future leaders and holders of the economy. The president now has to put the pieces together in order to come up with one comprehensive educational system where every student is eligible to cheap yet quality education.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Political Spending of Interest Groups Dwarf Democrats and Liberals 7 to 1
If present trends continue, the upcoming US midterm elections in November will go down to be one of the most expensive in history. Recent reports showed that interest groups have increased their spending up to the point where they have overshadowed the major political parties in the United States. According to figures, interest groups are now spending five times larger compared to their total last midterms. Also, these groups have also been more secretive more than ever on where they get these funds and who their donors are especially with the recent ruling by the Supreme Court on Corporations and interest groups.
Last midterms, interest groups or those political groups who do not belong to the two major political parties in the US, the Republicans and Democrats, have spent a little over $16 million with over 90 percent of its donors being identified. Interestingly, there is today a massive surge in political spending by these groups who are hoping to influence the upcoming midterms. Interest groups have invested over $80 million so far with millions more expected as we go near the elections. Also, compared to the 90 percent disclosure of donors, today’s interest groups have been more secretive today falling to less than half of the total of the last midterms.
The recent ruling by the Supreme Court that unleashed the ability of corporations and interest groups to spend money for politics enabled such surge in political spending. Also, with the massive rage towards Democrats and the perception that they are anti-business, donors have been more inclined to spend money and influence the upcoming polls. There is now a ratio of 7 to 1 in the spending category where interest groups, the bulk coming from conservatives, have dwarfed the Democratic Party. The increase in conservative spending has come both from long established groups and from groups only a few months old.
Of all the biggest spenders, the little-known Iowa group called the American Future Fund, stood out to be largest having spent $7 million on behalf of Republicans in more than two dozen House and Senate races. According to the Federal Election Commission, the group hasn’t filed the donors responsible for the group’s ad campaign. The group recently announced that it would devote up to $800,000 to campaign against Democratic candidate Bruce Braley of Waterloo. A commercial was aired alleging that Braley supports the building of an Islamic center near Ground Zero. While Braley strongly denied the accusations, the ad may have already done the damage especially at a time where Americans are having issues against religion.
The Supreme Court cleared the way for unlimited spending for political affairs by corporations, unions and other interest groups. Because many of these interest groups are categorized as non-profits, they are now required by law to disclose their donors and financial backers which is the primary reason why the sudden surge in secret donors. While Republican have greatly benefited from the interest group’s money, Democrats, on the other hand, have proven that they too can raise money for themselves and for their individual candidates. By law, those donations must come from individuals and are limited in size.
Last midterms, interest groups or those political groups who do not belong to the two major political parties in the US, the Republicans and Democrats, have spent a little over $16 million with over 90 percent of its donors being identified. Interestingly, there is today a massive surge in political spending by these groups who are hoping to influence the upcoming midterms. Interest groups have invested over $80 million so far with millions more expected as we go near the elections. Also, compared to the 90 percent disclosure of donors, today’s interest groups have been more secretive today falling to less than half of the total of the last midterms.
The recent ruling by the Supreme Court that unleashed the ability of corporations and interest groups to spend money for politics enabled such surge in political spending. Also, with the massive rage towards Democrats and the perception that they are anti-business, donors have been more inclined to spend money and influence the upcoming polls. There is now a ratio of 7 to 1 in the spending category where interest groups, the bulk coming from conservatives, have dwarfed the Democratic Party. The increase in conservative spending has come both from long established groups and from groups only a few months old.
Of all the biggest spenders, the little-known Iowa group called the American Future Fund, stood out to be largest having spent $7 million on behalf of Republicans in more than two dozen House and Senate races. According to the Federal Election Commission, the group hasn’t filed the donors responsible for the group’s ad campaign. The group recently announced that it would devote up to $800,000 to campaign against Democratic candidate Bruce Braley of Waterloo. A commercial was aired alleging that Braley supports the building of an Islamic center near Ground Zero. While Braley strongly denied the accusations, the ad may have already done the damage especially at a time where Americans are having issues against religion.
The Supreme Court cleared the way for unlimited spending for political affairs by corporations, unions and other interest groups. Because many of these interest groups are categorized as non-profits, they are now required by law to disclose their donors and financial backers which is the primary reason why the sudden surge in secret donors. While Republican have greatly benefited from the interest group’s money, Democrats, on the other hand, have proven that they too can raise money for themselves and for their individual candidates. By law, those donations must come from individuals and are limited in size.
Obama’s announces His New Initiative towards for Education Sector
It is a given fact that America and its citizens are experiencing tougher times especially that the economy hasn’t really fully recovered yet from the devastation brought by the recent economic recession. Unemployment levels all throughout the country are still high with many layoffs still occurring each day. People are beginning to feel impatient and angry with the way the Obama administration and the Democratically-controlled house and senate has been handling the situation. And for that, Republicans have been clinging on to that anger that they think is key for them to regain control of the house and senate.
One of proposals of Republicans in order to reduce the budget deficit is to implement budget cuts in various government departments such us in the educational sector. While republicans and dissatisfied citizens are strongly opposing further spending, Obama and his team are thinking otherwise. He argues that for the economy to grow, it should first boost consumer spending in order to increase demands for goods and services resulting in more jobs more people. And while Obama said he agrees with the GOP that America's fiscal situation is "untenable “, he also sees the plans as a way to force a 20 percent cut in education funding which not acceptable.
As a solution, Pres. Obama recently announced his new initiative called “Skills for America's Future” which aims to create and provide strong partnerships between various community colleges and America’s top business companies. The partnership will enable students to focus on various skill sets which will fit the needs of the industry. Obama also said the partnership plan aims to improve industry partnerships with community colleges and build a nationwide network to maximize workforce development and capabilities.
In a White House fact sheet, Pres. Obama said the following words, “We want to make it easier to join students looking for jobs with businesses looking to hire”. He also added “We want to put community colleges and employers together to create programs that match curricula in the classroom with the needs of the boardroom”. According to a White House official, the initiative has already received support and backing from various top American corporation such as Gap Inc., McDonald's, Accenture and more.
Obama’s focus on education has been very evident lately especially when he proposed the plan to increase the academic calendar. He argued that American students are lagging behind various countries by 1 month. He plans to add another month to the academic calendar as a way to cope up with recent standards and increase the American competitiveness especially in the field of finance and economy.
One of proposals of Republicans in order to reduce the budget deficit is to implement budget cuts in various government departments such us in the educational sector. While republicans and dissatisfied citizens are strongly opposing further spending, Obama and his team are thinking otherwise. He argues that for the economy to grow, it should first boost consumer spending in order to increase demands for goods and services resulting in more jobs more people. And while Obama said he agrees with the GOP that America's fiscal situation is "untenable “, he also sees the plans as a way to force a 20 percent cut in education funding which not acceptable.
As a solution, Pres. Obama recently announced his new initiative called “Skills for America's Future” which aims to create and provide strong partnerships between various community colleges and America’s top business companies. The partnership will enable students to focus on various skill sets which will fit the needs of the industry. Obama also said the partnership plan aims to improve industry partnerships with community colleges and build a nationwide network to maximize workforce development and capabilities.
In a White House fact sheet, Pres. Obama said the following words, “We want to make it easier to join students looking for jobs with businesses looking to hire”. He also added “We want to put community colleges and employers together to create programs that match curricula in the classroom with the needs of the boardroom”. According to a White House official, the initiative has already received support and backing from various top American corporation such as Gap Inc., McDonald's, Accenture and more.
Obama’s focus on education has been very evident lately especially when he proposed the plan to increase the academic calendar. He argued that American students are lagging behind various countries by 1 month. He plans to add another month to the academic calendar as a way to cope up with recent standards and increase the American competitiveness especially in the field of finance and economy.
Friday, October 1, 2010
White House Report: Stimulus Bill is on the Right Track
One of the most talked-about issues in the coming Midterm elections is the state economy. In fact, the votes for this election will be greatly influenced by how candidates will address the very sensitive issue of unemployment. During the past couple of months, there have been mostly negative feedbacks towards the stimulus program that was approved by President Obama more than a year ago. In fact, some sectors in society even tagged it as an ultimate failure. There are numerous criticisms as to why the stimulus was unable to live up to its expectations of creating and saving between 900,000 – 3.5 million jobs.
Despite the numerous and sometimes harsh criticisms, the White House now claims the $800 billion stimulus bill is still on tract in producing the targeted amount of jobs since it was passed in Congress. It was remembered that the stimulus bill was signed by Congress February of last year as a way to minimize the destructive effects of the economic recession and jumpstart the economy. The funds will be spent for the next ten years with the bulk of it on tax cuts and tax breaks. Its major goal was to increase consumer spending in order to also generate more jobs.
But critics most especially Republicans said that the bill was ineffective and was only able to come up with a very minimal number of jobs. They also cited the increasing national rate of unemployment which now stands at over 9.6%. In a report presented by Vice President Joe Biden to President Obama, he underlined the consistent progress of their commitment to create jobs that is slowly being achieved by the stimulus. He also added that taxes have been lowered in over 95 percent of working families.
The report also mentioned that about $300 billion has been spent for the continuity of unemployment benefits, government projects and various grants to states in order to avoid layoffs of public workers. Another $243 billion was allocated for tax cuts where business institutions and institutions will surely benefit. Also included in the funding was Obama’s “Making Work Pay” policy where it gives $400 worth of tax credit to individuals while $800 for couples. The office of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office also claims that the bill is credited to over 1.4 to 3.3 million jobs.
Also included in the report is the renewal this year of unemployment insurance for the long-term jobless and funding aid to state governments and local school boards. Other projects such as reforms in the transportation sector (high speed rail) and other research and development projects (Information Technology) were also in high note. What’s more impressive is that only 0.2 percent of stimulus projects were investigated for reasons of fraud. This number is significantly lower than typical federal programs.
But several Republicans have criticized various stimulus projects. For example, Sen. Tom Boburn pointed out dozens of unreasonable projects such as the $554,000 used to replace the windows of a visitor center in Mount St. Helens. The center was reportedly closed three years ago by the state government. Also, another $90,000 was used to replace a five-year-old stretch of sidewalk in an Oklahoma town that led to a ditch. But a report on Friday by the Commerce Depart indicated that there was a big increase in construction spending which helped to reverse the negative effects of the recession to the sector.
Despite the numerous and sometimes harsh criticisms, the White House now claims the $800 billion stimulus bill is still on tract in producing the targeted amount of jobs since it was passed in Congress. It was remembered that the stimulus bill was signed by Congress February of last year as a way to minimize the destructive effects of the economic recession and jumpstart the economy. The funds will be spent for the next ten years with the bulk of it on tax cuts and tax breaks. Its major goal was to increase consumer spending in order to also generate more jobs.
But critics most especially Republicans said that the bill was ineffective and was only able to come up with a very minimal number of jobs. They also cited the increasing national rate of unemployment which now stands at over 9.6%. In a report presented by Vice President Joe Biden to President Obama, he underlined the consistent progress of their commitment to create jobs that is slowly being achieved by the stimulus. He also added that taxes have been lowered in over 95 percent of working families.
The report also mentioned that about $300 billion has been spent for the continuity of unemployment benefits, government projects and various grants to states in order to avoid layoffs of public workers. Another $243 billion was allocated for tax cuts where business institutions and institutions will surely benefit. Also included in the funding was Obama’s “Making Work Pay” policy where it gives $400 worth of tax credit to individuals while $800 for couples. The office of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office also claims that the bill is credited to over 1.4 to 3.3 million jobs.
Also included in the report is the renewal this year of unemployment insurance for the long-term jobless and funding aid to state governments and local school boards. Other projects such as reforms in the transportation sector (high speed rail) and other research and development projects (Information Technology) were also in high note. What’s more impressive is that only 0.2 percent of stimulus projects were investigated for reasons of fraud. This number is significantly lower than typical federal programs.
But several Republicans have criticized various stimulus projects. For example, Sen. Tom Boburn pointed out dozens of unreasonable projects such as the $554,000 used to replace the windows of a visitor center in Mount St. Helens. The center was reportedly closed three years ago by the state government. Also, another $90,000 was used to replace a five-year-old stretch of sidewalk in an Oklahoma town that led to a ditch. But a report on Friday by the Commerce Depart indicated that there was a big increase in construction spending which helped to reverse the negative effects of the recession to the sector.
Congress is Adjourned, Decides to Campaign Instead
With just 5 weeks left in the campaign period before voters decide the fate of aspiring lawmakers, members of the US Congress are rushing up things in order to proceed with their different campaign events. Instead of taking up major issues such as Bush-era tax cuts and coming up with a comprehensive budget, congressmen and senators are more than willing to face the anger of their constituents and seek for their votes. There are actually numerous politicians who are seeking reelection and our counting on their campaign efforts to convince disgusted and uninspired voters to give them another chance.
With recent polls pointing to an impending Republican victory this November, Democratic congressional leaders decided to postpone their voting of the controversial tax cuts and other requests for spending by President Barack Obama. Instead, they passed a temporary bill which will assure them that the government will be running until the midterm elections. Because of these, several politicians from the Democratic and Republican Party have joined hands in protesting before Congress. They argue that these lawmakers should stay in session and continue with their work instead of facing their voting constituents before the November polls.
Despite of intense pressure and a string of protests, the session was still adjourned thanks to one vote. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who is expecting a tight reelection bid in Nevada against Republican candidate Sharron Angle, mentioned the following words, “All 100 senators want to get out of here and get back to their states”. Candidates for the November polls most especially Democrats are so eager to face the voting population and convince them that their reelection or appointment will easily translate into a productive economy and a better society.
Late Wednesday, the Senate was able to approve the temporary spending bill with 69 “yes” votes as opposed to 30 “no” votes. Hours later, the House also voted with a 228-194 result. It will now await Pres. Obama’s signature for it to be signed into law. During the last few months, we saw Obama’s tough stance towards expiring tax cuts for people earning more than $250,000 a year. But several moderate and conservative Democrats are now joining Republicans in calling for the extension of tax cuts regardless of income. It is now unclear whether Democrats are really in favor of extending them or follow Obama’s agenda instead.
Americans will have to wait till November if Congress pushes for the extension of these tax cuts. If no bill is passed by the end of December, American households are expecting to face higher rates of taxes. It is interesting to know that only two of a dozen annual appropriations bills have passed the House this year. None of those has passed the Senate as Democratic leaders have opted against lengthy floor debates and politically difficult votes on spending. Out of desperation, our lawmakers are going home while leaving unfinished business behind.
With recent polls pointing to an impending Republican victory this November, Democratic congressional leaders decided to postpone their voting of the controversial tax cuts and other requests for spending by President Barack Obama. Instead, they passed a temporary bill which will assure them that the government will be running until the midterm elections. Because of these, several politicians from the Democratic and Republican Party have joined hands in protesting before Congress. They argue that these lawmakers should stay in session and continue with their work instead of facing their voting constituents before the November polls.
Despite of intense pressure and a string of protests, the session was still adjourned thanks to one vote. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who is expecting a tight reelection bid in Nevada against Republican candidate Sharron Angle, mentioned the following words, “All 100 senators want to get out of here and get back to their states”. Candidates for the November polls most especially Democrats are so eager to face the voting population and convince them that their reelection or appointment will easily translate into a productive economy and a better society.
Late Wednesday, the Senate was able to approve the temporary spending bill with 69 “yes” votes as opposed to 30 “no” votes. Hours later, the House also voted with a 228-194 result. It will now await Pres. Obama’s signature for it to be signed into law. During the last few months, we saw Obama’s tough stance towards expiring tax cuts for people earning more than $250,000 a year. But several moderate and conservative Democrats are now joining Republicans in calling for the extension of tax cuts regardless of income. It is now unclear whether Democrats are really in favor of extending them or follow Obama’s agenda instead.
Americans will have to wait till November if Congress pushes for the extension of these tax cuts. If no bill is passed by the end of December, American households are expecting to face higher rates of taxes. It is interesting to know that only two of a dozen annual appropriations bills have passed the House this year. None of those has passed the Senate as Democratic leaders have opted against lengthy floor debates and politically difficult votes on spending. Out of desperation, our lawmakers are going home while leaving unfinished business behind.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Obama’s 5 Pointers to Fire-up the Liberal Base
For the past couple of years during this decade, the vast majority of Liberals have been strongly rooting for the Democratic Party and its candidates. President Obama greatly acknowledges this sector in society as one of the primary contributors to his magical run during the last presidential elections in 2008. And today, with the nation still left in peril and with growing dissatisfaction by voters towards his administration and the Democratically-controlled congress, Liberals might decide to stay at home instead of voting during the November polls. With the lack of enthusiasm amongst the liberal Democratic base, several writers have pointed out various strategies that Obama can use to ignite the fire and urge Liberals to vote these coming Midterms.
Fight Harder for Liberal Priorities
It is quite evident that Liberals lack the enthusiasm that they once had when they instilled Democratic control in Congress in 2006 and White house in 2008. Washing Post Columnist Greg Sargent mentions that it would be best for Obama to fight harder for the priorities of Liberals even if battle is sometimes hopeless. He also added that it might leave Democrats with an energized support base heading into the midterm elections. Sargent also mentioned the following words “If the Dem base is unenthusiastic, give Democrats something to get excited about, or effectively tell them why they should be excited”.
Refrain From Attacking the Liberal Critics
Politico Columnist Keach Hagey highlights the growing tension between White House Officials and Liberal bloggers. It is quite known that these bloggers have been constantly expressing their deep criticisms towards the White House which sometimes can harm the administration. Hagey tells the White House of the following words “Just don’t fight him”. A better option would be for the government to do their best to prove these critics that they are very wrong.
Focus on GOP Crazies
Washington Monthly Writer Steve Benen advises Democrats to tell voters that a Republican victory this November will only make things worse. Things are slowly beginning to improve and the best obstruction to that improvement is a GOP victory. If Republicans regain control of Congress this November, all the two year’s worth of national agenda such as the stimulus package, Health care reform, immigration reform and lots more will be put to waste.
Obama: Liberals must take Responsibility
In a recent Rolling Stone interview, President Obama mentioned that it is very inexcusable for any Democrat or progressive to just stand in the sidelines when the nation clearly needs them. He added that there are numerous complaints all directed towards Democrats for acting slow or are not able to give solutions fast enough to the problems of the nation. But Pres Obama gave Democrats a choice: to either risk a Republican-controlled congress where policies are all directed towards the previous Bush administration or for the present administration where progress is more meaningful.
Only Economy Matters
Duncan Black mentions that media criticisms and high-level political wrangling basically don't matter for November. The economy is what matters most. People are physically and emotionally feeling the negative effects of a struggling economy. The most appropriate thing the president can do is to make people go to work again by giving them jobs. Come up with policies and programs that are focused on job creation. Create an environment where jobs are more abundant.
Fight Harder for Liberal Priorities
It is quite evident that Liberals lack the enthusiasm that they once had when they instilled Democratic control in Congress in 2006 and White house in 2008. Washing Post Columnist Greg Sargent mentions that it would be best for Obama to fight harder for the priorities of Liberals even if battle is sometimes hopeless. He also added that it might leave Democrats with an energized support base heading into the midterm elections. Sargent also mentioned the following words “If the Dem base is unenthusiastic, give Democrats something to get excited about, or effectively tell them why they should be excited”.
Refrain From Attacking the Liberal Critics
Politico Columnist Keach Hagey highlights the growing tension between White House Officials and Liberal bloggers. It is quite known that these bloggers have been constantly expressing their deep criticisms towards the White House which sometimes can harm the administration. Hagey tells the White House of the following words “Just don’t fight him”. A better option would be for the government to do their best to prove these critics that they are very wrong.
Focus on GOP Crazies
Washington Monthly Writer Steve Benen advises Democrats to tell voters that a Republican victory this November will only make things worse. Things are slowly beginning to improve and the best obstruction to that improvement is a GOP victory. If Republicans regain control of Congress this November, all the two year’s worth of national agenda such as the stimulus package, Health care reform, immigration reform and lots more will be put to waste.
Obama: Liberals must take Responsibility
In a recent Rolling Stone interview, President Obama mentioned that it is very inexcusable for any Democrat or progressive to just stand in the sidelines when the nation clearly needs them. He added that there are numerous complaints all directed towards Democrats for acting slow or are not able to give solutions fast enough to the problems of the nation. But Pres Obama gave Democrats a choice: to either risk a Republican-controlled congress where policies are all directed towards the previous Bush administration or for the present administration where progress is more meaningful.
Only Economy Matters
Duncan Black mentions that media criticisms and high-level political wrangling basically don't matter for November. The economy is what matters most. People are physically and emotionally feeling the negative effects of a struggling economy. The most appropriate thing the president can do is to make people go to work again by giving them jobs. Come up with policies and programs that are focused on job creation. Create an environment where jobs are more abundant.
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