Why Obama isn’t talking up a debt-ceiling backup plan
1. It would give Republicans instant fodder for a counterattack. The issue now is that GOP congressional leaders want spending cuts in exchange for raising the debt limit. Obama has said he is not negotiating, and that Congress must allow the nation to meet its obligations. …
2. It would take the focus off of Congress. The main thrust of Obama’s news conference, at least on the debt ceiling issue, was Congress, Congress, Congress. He was basically telling Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) that the ball is in their court, and so are the consequences for not acting. Talking up his own plans would only ease pressure on them. …
3. It would fuel executive power grab attacks. Even the idea of Obama acting unilaterally if Congress doesn’t raise the debt ceiling is enough to rile up some conservatives to attack the president for overreaching. Being thrust into that kind of argument before the ceiling is hit is not helpful to the president, nor is it helpful to vulnerable Democrats in Congress who face tough reelection bids in 2014 — and whose votes the president will be counting on.
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He doesn’t have one. It’s all spending, all the time.
Bitter Clinger on January 15, 2013 at 10:09 AM
Why would you need a backup plan when you don’t have opposition?
artist on January 15, 2013 at 10:12 AM
opposition? Hell, they encourage him to do the things he does. Nobody dare oppose the King.
Dr. Frank Enstine on January 15, 2013 at 10:15 AM
That’s Boehner’s job.
tommer74 on January 15, 2013 at 10:27 AM
The whole point is to manufacture a crisis to put pressure on Congress to surrender. Why make the alternative any easier? Obama plays to win — for himself, not the country. The GOP won’t stop him, I can only hope the rating companies will do another downgrade to try to inject some reality into the situation. But the Fed and banking departments (maybe that new one that Dodd-Frank created) would probably threaten them if they did.
Socratease on January 15, 2013 at 10:28 AM
Not every Democrat wants to raise the debt ceiling. Take this guy, for instance:
Who? Barack Obama, circa 2006 (link, h/t Doug Powers)
KS Rex on January 15, 2013 at 10:54 AM
Ace is reporting now that the Republicans are now willing to cave now and fight the next battle. Its like holding a pair of jacks and thinking your next hand will be a full house so you keep waiting for the perfect hand while your chip pile dwindles. its a losing method.
Sadly I get the sense that Boehner and the ilk is lazy and not up for the fight. He threw in the cards in December so he could get home for the holidays and now they see another tough fight is on the horizon. Instead of doing what he was elected to do, he keeps sipping scotch.
Need proof…. Obama has a media disaster where the press actually pushed him on the growing debt and OUR side released a freaking written statement as rebuttal? THAT IS WHY WE ARE LOSING. Fight!
Bensonofben on January 15, 2013 at 11:00 AM
I’ll take “He doesn’t have a back-up plan now or ever for that matter” for $1,000.00 Alex.
D-fusit on January 15, 2013 at 11:19 AM
What could be a backup plan? Cut spending? That just won’t do.
DFCtomm on January 15, 2013 at 11:19 AM
1. Obama is a mad crazy commie dog now and thinks he is king and beyond the Constitution and the rule of law.
2. He is bluffing and no one sees this prince with no clothing yet. But he is naked before all of U.S. an imperial “I can do no wrong” nut case followed by his core of Commie Democrats.
3. Mark Levin http://www.marklevinshow.com says if Obama attempts to raise the debt by Pres. Executive Order then Obama must be impeached.
Obama is attempting to over throw the U.S. Constitution and he thinks “We the People will not put up a fight.”
Current Poll on Marks web site:
“Is Pres. Obama a imperial Pres.?”
as of 12:00 Eastern
98% Yes
2% No.
Join the fight Pres. Obama wants.
Steve Stockman Congressman from Texas 36th dist. Southeast of Houston Texas, says that if Pres. Obama attmepts to do gun control over the 2nd amendment via Executive Orders then he Stockman will file art. of impeachment.
Obama wants a fight, give it to him.
APACHEWHOKNOWS on January 15, 2013 at 12:30 PM
Because he never has a plan for anything.
besser tot als rot on January 15, 2013 at 12:33 PM