Think of the last two Democratic presidents -- Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton -- and then remember the titanic battles they had with Democratic majorities in Congress!
Many Democrats are not happy with President-elect Barack Obama's emphasis on tax cuts in his economic stimulus plan, and they want specifics on how he will spend the $350 billion left in the financial bailout package.
After some initial reluctance, Obama agreed to commit up to $100 billion of the stimulus money to homeowners, but nine Democratic senators yesterday still voted against him.
Obama also had to compromise on an original ceiling of $775 billion for the stimulus package settling for a figure so far at $825 billion. There are some analysts who feel the eventual total will exceed $1 trillion and not a few Democrats have been pushing in this direction.
Democrats have also negotiated a lower number for tax cuts that now stands at $275 billion from an original $300+ billion.
House Majority Whip James Clyburn has rallied a group to fight for earmarks, which the Obama team said would not be part of the stimulus package.
"There will be no earmarks in the stimulus. Nada. Zero. Zilch," said a spokesman for Senate leader Harry Reid.
 China Daily |
Wall Street Journal -
By KIMBERLEY A. STRASSEL "I do not work for Barack Obama." Mitch McConnell, Senate minority leader? No. Ben Bernanke, Fed chief?
Obama's $825B stimulus plan includes spending, tax cuts
Democrats roll out $825-billion in tax cuts, spending
