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.

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.

Obama’s Two-step Strategy: More Backyard Events and Campus Rallies

With the nation’s economy still having a dismal performance and with barely 5 weeks left before the midterm elections, Obama is trying to come to the aid of his Democratic party in order to avoid any major losses in November. Recent polls show that GOP candidates are either leading or are in a tightly contested race against their Democratic rivals. The president is devising a newer strategy that aims to rekindle the same 2008 campaign magic that propelled him into the presidency. It also aims to give him the opportunity to thoroughly explain his policies and regulation into the public in a calm and orderly manner.

The biggest fear for Democrats this November is when their avid young supporters are just going to stay at home rather than vote. The two-step strategy will involve four states which aim to urge Democrat supporters to let their voices be heard and participate in the polls. Pres. Obama and his team will also try to persuade voters who are yet to decide on who to support on that the proposed alternatives by Republicans are unacceptable and will do no good for the nation. It was remembered that the President warned Democrats and their supporters that all will be lost such as the Obamacare, stimulus, etc. if Republicans take back control of Congress.

In a recent interview, Obama told Democratic voters that it would be “inexcusable” and “irresponsible” for unenthusiastic Democrats to skip the midterm elections because the consequences are so severe that it would erase the years-worth national agenda. On the eve of Tuesday, the president is expected to proceed to the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison where he will be heading a rally which aims to replicate his youthful and enthusiastic 2008 presidential campaign. Meanwhile, Obama will also hold numerous campus rallies to warn young voters that the “hope and change” they embraced two years ago is at risk of being erased if Republicans will win these coming elections.

In a time where Democratic candidates are in a defensive stance trying to defend the present administration's expanded health care benefits, stimulus spending and other initiatives. Pres. Obama has called on Democrats to become less apologetic and be more assertive instead in convincing voters that the administration along with the Democratic-controlled Congress is indeed trying to move the country forward towards progress and development. The recent releasing of the “Pledge of America” by GOP officials is seen as a move that would benefit Democrats more according to White House Officials.

On Monday, Pres. Obama told student journalists that Republican have signaled plans to give $4 trillion worth of tax breaks with $700 billion of whom will go directly to rich people. Each of them will get an average of $100,000 check. The president and his administration aim to let the Bush-era tax cuts expire for households earning $250,000 or more a year. Pres. Obama is scheduled to hold backyard events on Wednesday in Des Moines, Iowa, and Richmond, Va., before returning to Washington that night. He will be using these backyard events to criticize the Republican pledge and show to the voters the consequences they may face if Republicans win this November.

President Obama’s Fight for the Economy

A year ago, the world saw the coming of change and development when Barack Obama took the highest office seat in the United States of America. It was remembered that during his campaign period, he emphasized his platform for change. He also prioritized the need for constant dialogue in order to get the different views of people and put it into action. Prior to his presidency, America was already devastated by the negative effects of the economic recession. Upon his proclamation as president of the U.S., he carried along with him the burden of listening to the call of the people and fulfilling their desires for the nation.

The economy is such a sensitive issue for Americans especially when the national average for unemployment is standing at 9.6%. Despite telling the people numerous times of his intentions to save and improve the economy, the President is struggling to convince the people that he is really doing the right thing. A recent poll from New York Times found that 60 percent of people believe that Obama hasn’t made any significant action to help fix the economy. 53 percent also expressed their belief that Obama does not have a plan to create jobs while only 38 percent think he does. This closely proves that people expect actions to be done and not just words to be spoken.

A few weeks ago, the president took the initiative by proposing the infrastructure bank and imposing business tax cuts. If he really wants to salvage what’s left of any possible Democrat victory this coming November, he should focus more answering the questions of voters with regards to economic growth. Obama should propose newer ideas which directly translate into job creation. He should be introducing legislatives, whether big or small, that will either create jobs or create an environment where jobs are created easily. Obama should refrain from finger-pointing and blaming Republicans about what the perils of the economy.

There are numerous ideas that are deemed feasible in generating more jobs. The expiring tax credits that were established on the 2009 recovery act can be maintained in order to reduce the burden of energy companies in procuring manpower. Obama can also propose for a national jobs bank where people can easily find jobs that are currently vacated. Also, another good proposal would be setting loan guarantees for entrepreneurs who will invest in schools, hospitals and clinics. It will not only create jobs to these sectors but also improve public services as well.

Offering a new revolving loan fund for the manufacturing sector is also a good idea. Manufacturers would easily get capital and credit which then translates into newer jobs. These are just some of the feasible ideas which will help bring back the trust and confidence of the people to him. While it is very obvious that global affairs can particularly grab much of the attention of the administration such as the Afghan war, nuclear proliferation and the Middle East peace process, Obama should still maintain his main initiative for job creation. Besides, the President of the United States was elected to serve the people of the nation rather than other external affairs.

In Defense of the Stimulus Package

Since the passing of the $814 Billion stimulus package that was strongly supported by most Democrats and U.S. President Barack Obama, American citizens had doubts whether this bill will in fact create jobs or instead add up to the already ballooned budget deficit of the government. The stimulus packages calls for massive borrowing and spending which will compensate the reduced spending of consumers and private sectors. A year later, thousands of Americans are still without jobs and people now believe that the stimulus is in fact a huge failure. Despite of what people perceive as a huge failure in attempting to revive the economy, various authors of the bill are still able to highlight key accomplishments since the bill was passed.

Republicans have been ultimately aggressive in claiming that the stimulus is just a waste of taxpayer’s money as the national average for unemployment is now reaching 10%. Last Friday, a report released by Vice President Joe Biden negated criticisms on the stimulus program by showcasing over 100 projects that satisfied the goal of the bill which is to create more jobs and stimulate economic growth. One such project was the $175 million spent by Department of Transportation of the City of New York to rehabilitate bridges, eight vehicular and one pedestrian, and one parking field. An audit showed that more than 120 people got to work for the project aside from the boost it has given to the local economy of New York.

In Ohio, the transportation department has been busy constructing a newer, 8.5 mile, four-lane highway within Nelsonville. It aims to remove freight traffic from local roads while also helping trucks reach their destinations more quickly. With a budget of $138 million, the project has reportedly created 300 jobs since its groundbreaking during the last fall. A research on a possible cure for cancer was also implemented through the initiative of the Cancer Genome Atlas project which reportedly cost more than $153 million in stimulus fund. The project is considered wide-scale as it involves 15 research institutions across the country. More than 150 researchers are directly involved in the project. Not only did it give jobs to people but it also gave human cancer patients a fighting chance to cure their disease.

The stimulus package and job creation are issues that will surely influence the votes this coming November. We the continuous dipping of Obama’s trust and confidence rating, Democrats are now coming up with ways in convincing the public that a Democratic majority in the House and Senate will be best for the country. The White House was only able to disclose 20 out of the 100 projects as the report hadn’t been fully released yet.

Pres. Obama launches $ 50 Billion Aid for Infrastructure Development

The United States midterm elections are fast approaching. On November 2, 2010, about 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 33 or 34 seats in the U.S. senate will be filled with newly elected politicians who will serve in full term. Though there will be no presidential election to be held, this is a crucial moment for the Obama administration as they try to maintain the influence of the Democrats in Congress and Senate affairs. With a growing mistrust towards Washington, Democrats can’ help but seem worried about the upcoming elections.

It is indeed a trying time for Democrats as Pres. Obama’s administration is still incapable of devising the perfect solution to address the growing budget deficit, the declining economy and the problem with lack of jobs. According to the latest figures, the unemployment rate has now stood at 9.6% which is expected to increase as more business establishments, federal departments and state governments are cutting costs and manpower.

The low rating from Pres. Obama has also raised concerns on the political campaigns of numerous Democrats who are aspiring to get a seat in Congress or in Senate. On Monday, the president promised another 50 billion dollars to be spent for infrastructure development. He justified that this move will generate more jobs as more people will be needed to rebuild roads, railways and airports. It will provide a relief to individuals who have been suffering from unemployment for a long time.

Requiring the approval of Congress, the White House has called on Republicans to quickly support the passage of the bill which is seen as a first part of a broader effort to stimulate funding for the transportation sector over six years. There seems to be a growing problem with some Democrats already rejecting the possibility of spending more to add up to the huge budget deficit. A top Republican in the house of Representatives, John Boehner, has linked the new plan to Obama’s previous stimulus package which critics say was a failed attempt to save and revive the economy.

An administration official said the new projects would be funded without increasing the budget deficit by ending various tax breaks enjoyed by oil and gas companies. The 50 billion-dollar plan will also include improvements to the US air traffic control system, the promotion of high-speed railway projects and the establishment of an "Infrastructure Bank" to coordinate federal funding and planning for various government projects. Pres. Obama and his democrats hope that this bill will bring back the confidence which they certainly need come election time.

The Kind of Tax Cuts that will Really Help the Economy

On May 15, 2001, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 was formally introduced in the House as H.R. 1836 by Rep. William M. Thomas. Not long after, then President George W. Bush signed the bill into law on June 7, 2001. The act basically made significant changes in several areas of the U.S. internet revenue code. It meant the implementation of tax reduction schemes on income tax rates, estate taxes and taxes on retirement plans. All these tax cuts are set to retire at the end of the year 2010 Congress decides to act and extend it further.

Today, there have been debates with regards to extending these tax cuts or not. We can clearly see the massive effect of the economic recession to the American economy. The high unemployment rates are attributed to the sudden collapse of financial institutions and business firms who felt the huge impact of the recession. Figures show that about 15 million Americans are still unemployed as of the moment. Many politicians believe that one of the short term solutions to these problems is an extension to the previously implemented tax cuts by Bush.

Democrats have shown less support for tax cuts while Republicans strongly oppose the idea of spending more. So what kind of tax cuts should be implemented then to generate jobs faster and help the economy recover? Simple, the kind of tax cuts that will generate more jobs is that one that business companies get only if they spend more money. One concrete idea was to implement a temporary cut in the payroll system so that employers will be relieved of the cost of employing people. By suspending the taxes that cover social security and Medicare, Washington will be able to lower the cost of keeping or hiring workers.

There are other viable suggestions that are presented by U.S. lawmakers. One solution was to implement an expanded tax credit that will benefit the new clean energy projects. Another is the expansion of tax credit for businesses that will increase their workforce or hire more employees. Although these tax cuts will generally not solve the long term economic problems that the nation has faced, it will certainly help avoid the resurfacing of newer problems such as a double dip recession. The most helpful thing that the government can do is to generate more jobs as people badly need it today. We may have long work to do but as long as we start now, we will be assured of victory in the future.