Democrats: Obama Needs Hands-On Economic Approach

[Hissyspit]

Source: Associated Press

Democrats: Obama needs hands-on economic approach

By JIM KUHNHENN, Associated Press Writer – 28 mins ago

WASHINGTON – Democrats are growing impatient with President-elect Barack Obama's refusal to inject himself in the major economic crises confronting the country. Obama has sidestepped some policy questions by saying there is only one president at a time. But the dodge is wearing thin. "He's going to have to be more assertive than he's been," House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, D-Mass., told consumer advocates Thursday.

Frank, who has been dealing with both the bailout of the financial industry and a proposed rescue of Detroit automakers, said Obama needs to play a more significant role on economic issues. "At a time of great crisis with mortgage foreclosures and autos, he says we only have one president at a time," Frank said. "I'm afraid that overstates the number of presidents we have. He's got to remedy that situation."

Obama has maintained one of the most public images of any president-elect. He has held half a dozen press conferences, where he has entertained question after question about the economy, the mortgage crisis, and the flailing auto industry. He called for passage of extended unemployment benefits — which has passed — and even a stimulus package if possible before Jan. 20. But he has stayed away from trying to dictate remedies for the toughest problems Congress is confronting: the auto industry's troubles and how to spend the $700 billion bailout.

Frank's remarks came as the Bush administration considers whether it needs the second half of the $700 billion of the Troubled Asset Relief Program aimed at helping the financial sector before Obama takes office on Jan. 20. An Obama official said the Bush administration reached out to the transition team about tapping into the money. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks, said Obama's transition team urged the administration to talk to bipartisan congressional leaders and assemble a meeting between the White House and Congress. The official said the Obama team offered to participate in a bipartisan meeting if it would be helpful.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/obama_sidelines

[BlueManDude]

1. Barney never shuts up.

[rosesaylavee]

2. I have heard him slammed from both angles on this.

So what is he? Is he too involved or not enough involved?

Has everyone lost their friggin mind? 30 days since the election and the man has more committees and cabinet posts lined up faster than any other President Elect.

Are we that dysfunctional after 8 years of an abusive govt that we can't find much to appreciate about this incoming administration? I think we desperately need some group counseling... or therapy or something to get people to settle down. There can only be one president at a time. Obama is weighing in the issues but has to acknowledge he has no power at this point.

Rant not directed at you HS - this article has just set me off.

[Hissyspit]

3. It's a weird article.

Not a very good headline. Notable that it is AP.

[awoke_in_2003]

7. "Are we that dysfunctional after 8 years of an abusive govt "

I would say a lot of us are. I don't know what people want. He is no longer a senator, and is not yet the president. And, as you say, he has a lot of work ahead of him before Jan 20.

[Kahuna]

4. Barney Franks needs to shut his fat mouth. He never knows when

to keep it shut.

[Johnyawl]

5. I agree with Barney Frank, Obama needs to step up to it

The country is teetering on the edge of disaster, and I still don't know Obama's position on the Wall street bailout, or the auto makers. The whole effing country is waiting for some leadership, and he's the man to provide it. Fuck making nice with the lame duck. If this country goes down the crapper in the next 50 days, it's Obama who's gonna have to deal with it. He needs to make his positions clear, and start leading the Democrats.

[rosesaylavee]

9. Economic Recovery Advisory Board

http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/president_elect_barack_obama_establishes_presidents_economic_recovery_advis/

I am guessing that he may want this team to bring their expertise to the situation and analyze it before he makes a statement on where he stands. They were appointed November 26.

[Skinner]

6. "I'm afraid that overstates the number of presidents we have."

You gotta admit: That line is a classic.

[Barbara2423]

8. Barack is not a President or Senator

When its his turn he will be very involved.

[ramapo]

10. A stupid remark

What else can you say?