During yesterday's pep talk, Obama restated his small-bore calls for extending a payroll tax cut that expires at the end of the year, extending unemployment insurance benefits, and creating an ill-defined "infrastructure bank" to create construction jobs. But these policy miniatures were added as a postscript to the debt talk, as if he felt obligated to mention jobs.
There's still time for political operatives in the White House -- and the person they work for -- to change their minds. If economic stresses increase, Americans may insist on government doing more. A CNN poll released Monday found 60% believe the nation remains in an economic downturn and conditions are worsening. Only 36% believed that in April.
But for now the President is being badly advised. The magnitude of the current jobs and growth crisis demands a boldness and urgency that's utterly lacking. As the President continues to wallow in the quagmire of long-term debt reduction, Congress is on summer recess and the rest of Washington is asleep.
The President should present a bold plan, summon lawmakers back to Washington to pass it, and, if they don't, vow to fight for it right up through Election Day.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
1
