Obama pledged to spend money to fix the economy now while pushing for longer-term efforts to cut the deficit. He continued to strike a populist tone in calling for tougher rules on banks and for rolling back a Supreme Court decision vastly expanding the influence of corporations in electoral politics. "I don't think American elections should be bankrolled by America's most powerful interests," he declared, "or worse, by foreign entities."

At the same time, Obama sought to grapple with public unhappiness over the economy, a particularly strong sentiment among working-class voters, who have most felt the lash of hard times. It was clear that if Obama did nothing else, he would identify himself with the word "jobs" and shout his determination to bring them back.

It was also obvious that he realizes his administration lost two critical battles last year: to define his stimulus plan and his health-care proposal. Polls show that Republicans' negative claims have stuck with voters, while the administration's arguments for the merits of both plans have not.

Obama made the case for his ideas again, but he also challenged Republicans to do more than criticize.

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Filed under: * Economics, Politics • Politics in General • Office of the President • President Barack Obama

1. David Fischler wrote: Obama made the case for his ideas again, but he also challenged Republicans to do more than criticize. Sigh. How often does it have to be said: the Republicans have offered lots of ideas, none of which have gotten a response more polite than, “Oh, are you still in the room?” Maybe it’s time for Obama and his camp followers in the press to stop carping about Republican success in detailing the deficiencies of the Dems’ proposals, and start listening to the alternatives that are being presented. January 28, 4:42 pm | [comment link]

2. LeightonC wrote: The Dems are in the mode of don’t-confuse-us-with-the-facts-our-minds-our-made-up and they want the Repubs to sit down, shut up, and color.  I’m so jaded regarding our political process that if a politician’s lips are moving, I know he’s lying.  Is it any wonder Tea Parties flourishing? January 28, 6:33 pm | [comment link]

3. Nikolaus wrote: Obama made the case for his ideas again, but he also challenged Republicans to do more than criticize. BHO on 1/23/09 (three days after inauguration) to Republicans: “I won.”  Yeah, a real bipartisan hero. January 28, 10:30 pm | [comment link]

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