Evening Buzz: Does Pres. Obama Get It?
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/POLITICS/11/03/john.boehner.speaker.profile/t1larg.john.boehner.speaker.gi.jpg caption="With a landslide GOP victory in House, Rep. John Boehner is poised to be next House speaker." width=300 height=169]
Maureen Miller
AC360° Writer
President Obama spoke of last night's Democratic party's "shellacking" in the midterm elections during a news conference at the White House this afternoon.
"Over the last two years, we've made progress," he told reporters. "But clearly too many Americans haven't felt that progress yet, and they told us that yesterday. And, as president, I take responsibility for that."
Pres. Obama pointed to the economy as a big reason for his party's loses at the polls.
"We've stabilized the economy. We've got job growth in the private sectors. But people all across America aren't feeling that progress. They don't see it," said Mr. Obama.
Tonight, Keeping Them Honest, we'll look at whether he truly gets it. Even after the president spent nearly 60 minutes at the microphone today some believe he does not get what happened last night.
Here's what did happen: Republicans earned at least 60 seats in the House of Representatives, regaining control of the chamber for the first time since 2006, according to CNN projections. That number could rise with 11 undecided House races still to be resolved.
In the Senate, Democrats lost six seats but keep control of the chamber, according to projections based on exit polling. The latest victory for Democrats came in Colorado, where incumbent Sen. Michael Bennet won a tight race against Republican Ken Buck, CNN projects. This gives Democrats 52 members in the Senate, with races still too close to call in Washington and Alaska.
Back to the House, where Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, is expected to become the new leader of that chamber in January.
"We are humbled by the trust the American people have placed in us and we recognize this is the time for us to roll up our sleeves and go to work," Boehner told reporters this morning on Capitol Hill.
Boehner, and other Republicans, would like to repeal the health care bill and extend the Bush tax cuts. But can they get it done?
Keep in mind, Boehner and Pres. Obama have had a rocky relationship these past two years. We'll dig into that with our political panel.
We'll also have our political gurus look into their crystal balls and predict who they think will seek the White House in 2012. Mark your calendar. That election is now 734 days away.
Join us for these stories and much more starting at 10 p.m. ET. See you then.
|
|
Filed under: Maureen Miller • The Buzz |
About this Show:
Anderson Cooper goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view, so you can make up your own mind about the news. Tune in weeknights at 8 and 10 ET on CNN.
Questions or comments? Send an email
Want to know more? Go behind the scenes with AC361°
Subscribe to the podcast
On Twitter
Search the AC360 blog
No, I don't think our President "gets it". I have never seen a President running around doing tv interviews and going on talk shows. I thought there were way more important things to do in the Presidency than that? This is so NOT what a President should be doing. I think it is very distasteful.
The American people were not voting against Obama. They want Congress to know we will replace them if they don't work for the People.
They need to really listen to all the people. Not just the elete.
I am sorry but I really do not understand you Americans.
You have someone that managed to give health care to a big amount of people that belong to the low and vulnerable social masses and people complain? I heard from many friends that it is a little bit the "Law of the Jungle" there in the US but I never thought that you will take it so far...
And what about your "Cristian Values"? Is it as well only rhetoric?
The only problem with Obama is that he didn't have the courage to make the changes he needed to make, in the scale that it is needed. It is not socialism to help your fellow citizen, just Cristian as someone long time ago would have said......
Pres. Obama did not get it, he forgot about the promises to the hispanic community about the reform so the hispanic voters forgot about Obama and voted (R) or didn't vote at all
All the politicians missed the point. As in 2008, this election people mostly voted for CHANGE. Next election if the politicians don't understand transparency or the peoples' needs, the vote could be for "NPA" – no party affiliation!
What I don't think the President and some on the panel gets is that although he has worked hard and gotten things done, all those things are not translating to Main Street to help solve problems. As an example, Health care has passed and the result I've seen is this: My insurance premiums have gone up and my friends who are unemployed still can't find affordable health insurance. No one I know is seeing any benefit from the new Health Care legislation, so what exactly was the point of all the work and compromise? I would rather he would have fought for the public option and lost, rather than cave to a compromise that doesn't seem to have any benefit for the American people.
It is obvious that the American people want to see change. That is why President Obama was elected. The problem is that change in the White House does not mean change in Congress. It is clear that the mindset of Congress has not changed, and remains a childish power struggle of who is in power, and not a mindset of actually listening to the people, and doing what is their best interest.
I am baffled how many people blame the president for the current recession. That's like blaming the doctor for the knife wound he/she is trying to repair. I think the president is doing exactly what he was elected to do. Digging out of this recession will take time. Republicans have done a great job at giving the public someone to blame for their financial despair or frustration.
Paul,
Reno,NV
We need to encourage, excite, and motivate people with regards to taking employment changes and risks. Tax cuts or raises are only a band aid to bigger problem: consumer confidence.
Obama started with outrageous spending while campaigning. I saw it and was shocked to see his election. I've watched while the President with the majority democrats forced through earmarks, unbelievable amounts of $ flooded into our economy, seen our $ weaken and America become a joke when it comes to the strength of our economy. I've seen family members laid off, government spending on travel and meetings explode, and politics at it's worst. I don't appreciate watching someone I'd hope to be an advocate for our country lying, scaring people–healthcare/jobs. He's ready to sharpen his veto pen and stick to his agenda. Thank you.
He does not say anything different since elected.
He does what he wants not what the American people want. I believe history shows what extreme men in power can do. Do we really need you to take another trip at the American peoples expense. Stay home with all the problems we have in our country.
President Obama's election was historic. 2 yrs later, there is celebrity fatigue/perception problem with President Obama. there is no communication problem; he is not the attraction that he used to be.
Obama can't move forward when you have a right wing movement who would rather see human rights rolled back, a white president, women in the kitchen and a strong faith making decisions.
I think many Americans who are against him are also upset because he is a man of colour and who might practice the muslim religion.
You should be lucky that you have finally a man of honor, of professionalism who is progressive in his thinking and who also wants to move human rights forward.
Stop crying Obamacare is at fault when you need to look at who got you there!
Republicans have to intention on working with President Obama on anything positive.
Their main goal is to make sure he fails in anything he tries to accomplish from here on.
I promise you, there is no plan to get us on the right track.
To Anne, Texas teacher and Dana, you are right on point. We live in a microve society. The people are simplistic, how could the President create jobs, pull us out of a near depression, and myriad other disasters in just 2 short years. It is immature to believe that could happen.
Obama gets it but he had better get some courage to move on it.
As a Canadian, I watch American Politics with interest but also with anger. You have a President we would love to have. He came into the position which was destroyed by BUSH. It takes more than 2 years to just begin to unwind the Bush days. Obama is trying to do his best, but what I see is the Republicans stopped every step forward for Americans. They don't want Obama to succeed, even at the expense of their country. THat is not loving your country. Blame BUSH for the loss of jobs, losing your house and more, not Obama. Get real and work WITH the President, not against him.
No Obama don't get how rude, and evil people are, he still thinks that he can help people, help the poor, and the working class people. Obama has done some good, I thank him for the oppportunity to go back to school and change my life. GM has paid money back, some of the banks are paying the government back, but, I guess that is nothing, These people need another George Bush in office, go ahead, elect sara palen for President, this country will get what they deserve, after all they have taken prayer out of the school, who has done that?
How can anyone expect Obama to clean up in 2 years the mess the Right Wing Republicans made over the 7 years ? If I was Obama I would resign and tell the Republicans , its your mess , you clean it up!!!
I am not sure anyone in Washington gets it. If the last 3 elections prove anything it proves that the democratic and republican parties are out of touch with what the moderates from both parties as well as independents want. The republicans listen too big business too much and the democrats listen to the far left socialists in their party too much. There needs to be more focus on what is best for the country and less focus on what the special interest driving both parties and funding the elections are wanting.
We now have some new people to blame when things don’t work in a short time. It's going to be the same thing with different people. Not much you can do to fix the economy in a few short months. Jobs will not come quickly, and healthcare needs a major makeover. The tax breaks needs to stop but for who? Those over $500K per year?
Obama needs to do more that’s a fact. But he needs help from all sides.
Keeping them honest – how many jobs have left this country for country's with universal health care?
I think that the question should be : Do Americans get it? Unfortunately not! They will eventually because the policies of the Republicans , Private Interests and Right Wing caused the mess they are in ! What Americans need to do is regulate political donations so that your democracy and politicians cannot be bought by private interests and big money. You need to regulate and set limits on donations, ads need to disclose who paid for them . A healthy Democracy requires educated population, and truth . Your democracy is being hi-jacked by private interests and big money that spread lies and misinformation. Voters have been misinformed and manipulated!
I would like to know what change people want to make, many in indiana, many of the seats were held by republicans, what change would that be? Seem like to me it doesn't matter what experience you have if you are a republican, people will vote for them no matter if they are qualified or not.That is sad