Uncertainty
Republicans Seeking Election Remain Unsure About Embracing Tea Party (New York Times Headline, 8/3/2011)
In a related story, Democrats aren't sure what to do about Bernie Sanders.
Plot Line
“While deficit reduction is part of that agenda, it is not the whole agenda,” a grim-faced Mr. Obama said in the Rose Garden moments after the Senate approved the debt limit deal. “Growing the economy isn’t just about cutting spending.” He later added: “That’s not how we’re going to get past this recession. We’re going to have to do more than that.” (NYT, 8/3/2011)
The country eagerly awaits the rest of Obama's agenda for economic recovery.
Nice Try
Still, heading into an election year, Mr. Obama’s advisers say he will be able to point to his role in the debt negotiations as proof of his ability to be a mature, responsible leader who is able to rise above Washington’s relentlessly partisan fray. (NYT, 8/3/2011)
Quick RedStateVT straw poll: How many thought Obama acted "above the fray" and how many thought he was "out of the loop?"
Payback
During the negotiations over raising the debt ceiling, President Obama reportedly warned Republican leaders not to call his bluff by sending him a bill without tax increases. Republicans in Congress ignored this threat and passed a bill that cuts more than a dollar in spending for every dollar it increases the debt limit, without raising taxes. Yesterday, Mr. Obama signed this bill into law. He was, as he said, bluffing. (Paul Ryan, WSJ, 8/3/2011)
Recall that several weeks back Obama sat Congressman Paul Ryan in the front row during one of his "speeches" and promptly insulted him in public. Well Ryan now gets his revenge. Quick RedStateVT straw poll: Who do you think would be a better president, Obama or Ryan?
Obama. He knows how to compromise. Ryan won't even raise revenue to pay for National Defense. but you already know I feel like that.
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