Tone May Empower Obama's Agenda

[babylonsister]

Tone May Empower Obama's Agenda
The Key Could Be Vow To Change Washington's Way of Doing Business

By Shailagh Murray and Paul Kane
Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, January 4, 2009; Page A01


Rarely have lawmakers confronted an agenda as ambitious as the one Congress will face upon convening this week, with an incoming president pushing to stabilize an economy on the brink of long-term recession, to create universal health coverage and to overhaul federal energy policies.

There are already signs that the usual divisions that send so many ambitious bills down to defeat will confront President-elect Barack Obama in his first weeks on the job. Some Republicans are spoiling for an early policy fight that will test Obama's mettle, while a number of Democrats are seeking gains in exchange for supporting his initiatives. Conservative House Democrats are demanding that statutory deficit-reduction language be included in a pending economic-stimulus package that could ultimately cost a trillion dollars. And Senate centrists have warned that the incoming administration's ambitious global warming legislation might be a non-starter.

Over the past 15 years, during which a large majority of current lawmakers were first elected to Congress, partisan feuding has reduced Congress's output to a bare minimum of must-pass measures. Party-line voting peaked during the Bush presidency, while productivity slumped. The Senate held the lowest number of votes in 2008 since any year going back to 1951, according to a recent Congressional Quarterly survey.

With Republicans holding just enough seats to put the brakes on sweeping initiatives in the Senate, the new president's agenda may rest on his ability to deliver on another campaign pledge, to change the way Washington does business by adopting a more pragmatic and inclusive governing style. And as the nation's economic woes deepen, there are early indications that lawmakers may be willing to put aside precedent, as the incoming Obama administration -- at least so far -- sends the welcome signals to key constituencies.

more...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/03/AR2009010300721.html?hpid=topnews

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. If Congress, specifically the Senate, screws this up

the blame lies squarely with them, especially any Dems who don't get on board. Obama's plan is the best we got right now. No, I don't like all his ideas, but when the Titanic is sinking, I don't quibble about the color of the lifeboat coming to save me.

[Tarheel_Dem]

2. Depending on Obama's ability to sidestep the usual manner of informing....

the American people, he may find it difficult indeed. But I have faith that he will find new and innovative ways to get his message out so that we can put pressure on the appropriate Congress critters.

"With Republicans holding just enough seats to put the brakes on sweeping initiatives in the Senate, the new president's agenda may rest on his ability to deliver on another campaign pledge, to change the way Washington does business by adopting a more pragmatic and inclusive governing style."

If the Repukes insist on obstructionism, which they already seem to be promising, I think they'll find themselves forever reduced to a regional party. Anyway, we can hope.

[NYC_SKP]

3. Fortunately, using tone well and to his advantage is among his strengths.

He really does come across well, not smarmy, elitist, angry, cocky, or any of the other things that have so long characterized our presidents' tones.

I think he'll do well, he's very genuine and his ability to listen, to dialogue, and to stay calm and cool will take him (and us) far.

:patriot:

Recommended. :thumbsup:

[saracat]

4. Yeah the selection of Warren and the appeasement of bigotry does so much for "tone".

It feels so much better to be dissed suavely than without any couth.:sarcasm: I certainly hope FOCA has a different fate than Don't Ask Don't Tell.

[Critters2]

5. I thought that, too. Now the bigots are asked to lower their voices a bit.

But the message is the same.

[Cha]

6. Yeah, keep it up with your negative shit everytime

you get a chance to take a crap on Obama.

All through the primaries. Too bad for you he won...Good for the Planet.

[saracat]

9. I voted for O in the GE but didn't realize I had to support the candidate of YOUR choice in the

primaries:sarcasm: and I will criticize any politician supports bigotry. And any Democrat would be better for the Planet!

[NYC_SKP]

7. saracat, you're cracking me up!

The way that folks are able to interject the Warren matter into practically any post has become amusing.

Like this OP: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=8053525&mesg_id=8053525

It's a shame that it doesn't serve the cause for the GLBTIQ community one iota, or I might join in.

Happy New Year to you and yours, saracat! :toast:

[AtomicKitten]

8. Although accused of being gracious to a fault, Obama's tone helped him win POTUS.

I fully expect him to come crashing through the gates like a freight train. Whatever advantage he can gain through consensus will pay off in spades.

K&R