The budget battle will be an epic battle

[Onlooker]

The Democrats control Congress and Obama has a brilliant political team, but the Republicans and their business allies are very powerful.

I think the problem for the Republicans is twofold: (1) The Obama team knows more about Rovian tactics and strategy than the Republicans known about Axelrodian tactics and strategy; (2) Religious conservatives are probably not going to be as active on economic issues as they were on so-called family values issues. But, Wall Street not only has a lot of money, it has deep connections with Democrats in Congress as well as Republicans. And, in the Senate, where most of the members are millionaires, a filibuster might be quite easy to achieve.

I am looking forward to see how the Obama team defends against accusations of "socialism," "class welfare," and "handouts." As wrongheaded as those accusations are, they've been quite effective in the past. And we know there are no depths to which the Republican Party won't sink in order to win.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090228/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_lobbyists>Obama tells powerful lobbies: Bring it on

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama challenged the nation's vested interests to a legislative duel Saturday, saying he will fight to change health care, energy and education in dramatic ways that will upset the status quo.

"The system we have now might work for the powerful and well-connected interests that have run Washington for far too long," Obama said in his weekly radio and video address. "But I don't. I work for the American people."

He said his ambitious budget plan, unveiled Thursday, will help millions of Americans, but only if Congress overcomes resistance from deep-pocket lobbies.

"I know these steps won't sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they're gearing up for a fight," Obama said, using tough-guy language reminiscent of his predecessor, George W. Bush. "My message to them is this: So am I."