GOP Gives Obama Q&A Mixed Reviews
Republicans have also called out the president for not fulfilling his campaign promise to reach across the aisle and to listen to Republican ideas.
But for 90 minutes today, President Obama met with Republicans at the House GOP retreat in Baltimore and answered eight questions from members on everything from energy policy to health care to the economy. There were combative moments, but members generally played nice, giving the president a standing ovation at both the beginning and end.
At a press conference after the meeting, House GOP leaders praised the president for coming to the meeting but said they didn't want the discussion to end today. Minority Leader John Boehner called it a candid discussion and said it was "a good first step in having more of a dialogue."
"It was the kind of discussion, frankly, we need to have more of," said Republican Whip Eric Cantor.
But the Republican rank and file were skeptical that the meeting would change much.
Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) asked the president about health care and whether he was willing to start over and work with Republicans.
President Obama didn't say they would start over or that he would scrap any specific health care proposal.
"I would have liked for him to have been more direct in his response," said Blackburn.
Blackburn said she's pleased that the president came, but she "felt like he was a little bit defensive."
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) also felt that the president didn't answer her question about energy policy and the impact it could have on her coal mining state. But she did admire his ability to engage with members. "He's good," Capito said.
Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) had the same feeling. He said it almost doesn't matter what Obama says. What matters now is how he acts.
And while Republicans say they want to continue the dialogue with the President, members made the point that now its time for Democrats in Congress to reach out and get members involved in actually legislating.
"It's really up to Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer to carry through," Boehner said.
