Obama Debt Reduction Plan Calms Dems' Concerns On And Off Hill -- Dean: "I am a supporter of this"

[jefferson_dem]

Obama Debt Reduction Plan Calms Democrats' Concerns On And Off Hill

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's broad new debt reduction proposal has, at least momentarily, managed to placate a community of progressive activists, Democratic operatives and congressional offices who have grown increasingly despondent over the course of his presidency.

On Monday the White House outlined more than $3 trillion in deficit reduction measures that included $1.5 trillion in tax increases, $1 trillion in war savings and $580 billion or so in mandatory program savings. What stood out, however, was what wasn't in the plan at all: changes to the payment structure of Social Security or the eligibility age of Medicare that the president had voiced support for as recently as August.

Democratic sources familiar with the drafting of the proposal insist that the 80-page document, which included a $470 billion job creation program, is largely consistent with the philosophical blueprint the White House has pursued during the past year. But they also didn't beat back suggestions that Obama and his team are more eager than ever to draw contrasts with Republicans on issues such as tax policy or entitlement reform. Perhaps the best example is the president's pledge to veto any deficit reduction plan that cut Medicare benefits but didn't include a dime of tax increases -- a threat that came in response to House Speaker John Boehner's (R-Ohio) insistence that tax hikes be left completely off the table.

"I was very pleased with the president's veto statement. I am a supporter of this," said Howard Dean, a former Vermont governor and DNC chairman. "Are there a few things that maybe should have been done differently? Maybe so. But overall, this is a very good place to start and now we just have to make damn sure we don't make any of the kind of irresponsible concessions that Republicans are going to ask for."

...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/19/obama-debt-plan-super-committee_n_970681.html

[DJ13]

1. It will improve relations with the base, so long as he doesnt compromise it away

If he does that, it will likely create a permanent rift that he wont recover from, as those previous critics who are happy now will feel betrayed (once again).

He must remain firm for a change.

[jefferson_dem]

2. Word!

:thumbsup:

[bluestateguy]

3. Well hrmph!

Howard the Coward Dean is juts a Blue Dog/DLC/conservadem.

I feel so betrayed!

Yes this is :sarcasm:

[Tarheel_Dem]

4. K & R

:dem: