Must Watch Weekly Radio Address: Obama to Lobbyists, 'I'm Ready to Fight'

[flpoljunkie]

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."

Some analysts say Obama's proposals are almost radical. But he said all of them were included in his campaign promises. "It is the change the American people voted for in November," he said.

Nonetheless, he said, well-financed interest groups will fight back furiously.

Insurance companies will dislike having "to bid competitively to continue offering Medicare coverage, but that's how we'll help preserve and protect Medicare and lower health care costs," the president said. "I know that banks and big student lenders won't like the idea that we're ending their huge taxpayer subsidies, but that's how we'll save taxpayers nearly $50 billion and make college more affordable. I know that oil and gas companies won't like us ending nearly $30 billion in tax breaks, but that's how we'll help fund a renewable energy economy."

Passing the budget, even with a Democratic-controlled Congress, "won't be easy," Obama said. "Because it represents real and dramatic change, it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington."

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Video of Weekly Radio Address below:

Obama address: http://www.whitehouse.gov

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/28/obama-to-lobbyists-bring_n_170724.html

[billybob537]

1. Lobbist should be illegal

No one should be allowed to accept money for trying to influence congress.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

7. Agreed

the only way people should be able to influence Congress is through direct action by individuals--so if you want a bill, you call or visit your Congressperson yourself.

[genna]

13. I know this view isn't popular but I don't agree

Lobbyists are not the enemy.
Lawyers are not the enemy.
While I am out there on the branch, the media is not the enemy.

The problem is the corruption or the overabundance of their voices as opposed to any other are the enemy.

The balance between doing what is right for the industry versus what is the public good (like Nader Public Citizen days) is what is the enemy. If the balance is brought back to being in alignment AND greed is taken out of the enterprise as a motive, then you won't feel so strongly about lobbyist.

Don't unions lobby for their people in front of Congress.

Stated another way, I can't stand commercial television asking me to buy things I don't need, for problems I didn't realize I had, for time I can't get back; but I do understand their purpose in subsidizing free public television (now how free it is, is debateable).

[Thrill]

2. I recommend everyone watch the weekly address today. WOW

Obama is taking the fight to them this time. Lesson learned from the Stimulus Battle.

[Triana]

3. gawd I love this man! n/t

[Deja Q]

4. So do I!

[Aloha Spirit]

5. Community Organizer in Chief! Keeping it sassy. Love it.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

6. I watched it twice

then called my 90 year old mother and told her about it. She was most impressed with two lines: "I work for the American people" and "My message to them is this: so am I." My formerly Republican mother was almost cheering. She's very happy Obama is our President.

[brianna69]

8. That's my president.

Go get them, we have your back.

[rug]

9. Finally!

[Cha]

10. Rec'd~ The system they

have right now crashed down around their ankles and now they whine.

Time to let someone who's responsible take charge.

[Cha]

11. I just saw it! "Thanks for listening"..

Anytime, amigo, Mr Prez:patriot::fistbump:

Thanks for this post, Florida~

[ClarkUSA]

12. 5th Recommend. Off to the Greatest with you.

Funny how when President Obama does the right thing and speaks like a true liberal populist that he is, this thread
gets barely a nod at DU.