Barack Obama has shown a curious lack of leadership regarding the economic stimulus bill. Perhaps assuming that he could trust his fellow Democrats, the White House allowed Nancy Pelosi and the House Democrats to craft a bill that was a 40 year wish list of social and special interest spending but not a whole lot of simulus.
Earlier this week, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs stated that the President was pleased with the general structure of the House bill. But as the American people learn more about what is in this bloated pork-fest, opinion is turning increasingly negative. In a new Gallup poll released today, only 38% of Americans believe the bill should be passed as is. 54% believe the bill should only be passed with "major changes" or rejected outright.
When pressed on why President Obama was not taking a stronger role in what the bill should contain, Press Secretary Gibbs said at yesterday's press briefing that "Legislation should best be left to the legislators."
That is a shocking abdication given the seriousness of the economic downturn our country faces. If the White House thinks that they can rely entirely on Nancy Pelsoi and Harry Reid to get to the right answer, then they are in for a real disappointment.
At today's press briefing, Robert Gibbs trumpeted that 3 more governors had signed a letter supporting the stimulus bill. Well of course the governors are going to support it. The bill contains $200B in transfer payments to the states to bail them out of their reckless spending. But that is also $200B that will not simulate a darn thing.
President Obama's intent seems to be to get a bill passed, any bill, so that he can sign it and check that off his list.
At least in the Senate, unlike in Nancy Pelosi's House, it does appear that the GOP will be allowed to offer amendments and have them actually considered. Hopefully some of the non-stimulative spending can be stripped out and the focus sharpened on creating jobs and getting the economy moving.
Surely the White House can and should provide more direct leadership, other than imploring Congress to just get it done quickly.