February 9, 2009 9:17 PM

Obama: Bipartisanship Is Still Possible

By
Brian Montopoli
Topics
Economy
(CBS)
At his prime time news conference Monday night, President Obama said he hasn't given up on bipartisanship despite widespread opposition to his stimulus package among Congressional Republicans.

The president said he would continue reaching out despite his relative lack of success in bringing both parties together over the stimulus bill.

"You know, putting three Republicans in my Cabinet, something that is unprecedented, making sure that they were invited here to the White House to talk about the economic recovery plan, all those were not designed simply to get some short-term votes," he said.

"They were designed to try to build up some trust over time. And I think that as I continue to make these overtures, over time, hopefully, that will be reciprocated."

The president said that in the short term, however, the stimulus bill must get passed – regardless of issues regarging reaching across the aisle.

"I can't afford to see Congress play the usual political games," he said. "What we have to do right now is deliver for the American people."

He added that "that doesn't negate the continuing efforts that I'm going to make," vowing to "listen and engage with my Republican colleagues."

"Hopefully, the tone that I've taken, which has been consistently civil and respectful, will pay some dividends over the long-term," he said.

Add a Comment See all 40 Comments
by megawhy February 11, 2009 12:04 AM EST
This financial mess is a Democrat created one. The steps being taken now will thrust us into deeper finacial turmoil. I am really tired of people who don''t understand the facts. Go do a little research..find out for yourselves.

Your "leaders" are Pelosi, Reid, and President Obama. Just what have they ever led? President Obama has never been a leader, he is a preacher, a community organizer. No company would hire him to lead it. He would have never been a General. But by golly he gives a good speech..or so they say. I personally like a little more substance, and little more intellectual capability.

I refuse to be taken in by a charismatic person who said anything to be elected. Who pretended to be something he is not to gain power. Funny thing is so many people have been so taken in and fooled. I just don''t understand it..well maybe I do...poor education, victim mentality, and no sense of history will do it every time.

But with that all said, he is our President. I hope God will bless him with wisdom and abilities far beyond his natural ones. He needs it and so do we.
Reply to this comment
by megawhy February 10, 2009 11:53 PM EST
Bi-Partisanship? Democrat definition: When you agree with us and do what ever we want then that is Bi-partisanship. When you disagree and present any other ideas that is Partisan.

So translated if you love evil that is bi-partisan. If you love truth and good that is partisan.

Give me a break..fight for what is right and true and good and American! God Bless the USA.
Reply to this comment
by raflin0010 February 10, 2009 4:05 PM EST
Whe Harry Schieffer asked John McCain point blank about what McCain wanted to see included in the bill that would make it acceptable to him, McCain avoided the question and wouldn''t answer. This gives the appearance that his only goal was to be negative and obstructionist. He can preach all he wants about being "bipartisan" but when given the opportunity, he won''t contribute......
Reply to this comment
by johndevinejr February 10, 2009 3:39 PM EST
LOL, don''''t you just LOVE the whining, crybaby Republicans?? They got their AZZes kicked in the last election and now all they can do is moan and groan. Well GROW UP crybabies. This country finally has a President who is a leader. Either put up, or shut up, your choice...........


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Posted by raflin0010 at 09:02 AM : Feb 10, 2009

These scumbag republicans are playing political games, when we are in the midst of a crisis of their creation.

They are Party First and Country Second.

The good thing is they seem to be unable to grasp the fact that they are losers with failed policies.

That is good for us. More of them will be vote out in 2010.

Good riddance.
Reply to this comment
by johndevinejr February 10, 2009 3:37 PM EST
He could''''nt lead a horse to water. You see most republicans are''''nt sore about the election. As for me enjoy America now, because in 2-4 years it is going to be a country you won''''t recognize, and I don''''t mean for the better. Socialism is close!


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Posted by wvu74621 at 09:06 AM : Feb 10, 2009

And the only comments from you are those espousing the same failed policies of the NeoCons.

If the republicans had their way, nothing would be done. Thankfully these morons are not in power.
Reply to this comment
by johndevinejr February 10, 2009 3:34 PM EST
He could''''nt lead a horse to water. You see most republicans are''''nt sore about the election. As for me enjoy America now, because in 2-4 years it is going to be a country you won''''t recognize, and I don''''t mean for the better. Socialism is close!


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Posted by wvu74621 at 09:06 AM : Feb 10, 2009

These NeoCon Fascists don''t know the difference between socialism and democracy.

To them if you are not goose stepping down the street in Jackboots shouting Party Slogans like Kill Him, and waving colorful banners, you are a commie.

It is good that they keep this fascist horsesh!t up. People now recognize the simpletons for what they are.
Fascist antiAmerican cowards.
Reply to this comment
by johndevinejr February 10, 2009 3:29 PM EST
We didnt just loose an election, we lost a country and i dont speak commie!


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Posted by WILLIAMAYER at 08:53 AM : Feb 10, 2009

The fact is we saved our country from the Right Wing Nut Jobs.

The NeoCon''s that are so afraid of terrorists that at the slightest threat they bend over and give up their Constitutional rights.

What a bunch of fvcking cowards.
Reply to this comment
by r9119111 February 10, 2009 2:28 PM EST
That past cocain use did some damage along the line. And he has the guil to blast A-Rod. Two peas in a pod.

Posted by wvu74621 at 08:16 AM : Feb 10, 2009


Speak for yourself and about yourself. Trying to influence others with your negative rhetoric defines your scum-like character. Grow up.
Reply to this comment
by wvu74621 February 10, 2009 12:41 PM EST
If there are so many high on Mr Obamas leadership, try justifying this enourmous spending bill that will not create any jobs and create more debt. The banks will get thier money under TARP and that money is''nt included in this stimulus package, but they won''''t be able to loan money any out because most americans won''t be able tp pay it back. The government can buy up bad loans and debt but they are paying for it with tax dollars that have''nt even been taken out of our paychecks yet. So while people are tootin Mr Obamas horn make sure you know why your tootin it. For everyones sake I hope he succeeds, but more spending never leads to recovery because it will take years to pay back what was spent. There will be tax increases during his Presidency, you can count on it, Why? Because this stimulus package is going to become a yearly drill and we will only sink deeper in debt. God help us all.
Reply to this comment
by wvu74621 February 10, 2009 12:28 PM EST
LOL, don''''''''t you just LOVE the whining, crybaby Republicans?? They got their AZZes kicked in the last election and now all they can do is moan and groan. Well GROW UP crybabies. This country finally has a President who is a leader. Either put up, or shut up, your choice...........


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Posted by raflin0010 at 09:02 AM : Feb 10, 2009
+ report abuse


If you are so high on his leadership, try justifying this enourmous spending bill that will not create any jobs and create more debt. The banks will get thier money but they won''t be able to loan any out because most americans won''t be able tp pay it back.. The government can buy up bad loans and debt but they are paying for it with tax dollars that have''nt even been taken out of our paychecks yet. So while your tootin Mr Obamas horn make sure you know why your tootin it. They only comments that I have read from you is about how the rupublicans lost, I have never read a valid comment posted by you.
Reply to this comment
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