President Obama Could Do So Much More To Help The Middle Class; Why Doesn’t He?

[GoLeft TV]

President Obama has devoted the last year and a half of his presidency to being a champion of the middle class by touting the perils of economic inequality. Unfortunately, he’s only talking about the problem, not issuing any executive orders or proposing legislative actions that would fix it.

[JoePhilly]

1. Got a list of executive orders he should be issue?

Surprised its not already in your OP.

[jalan48]

3. I understand his support of one the Republican favorites, big trade agreements, is designed to help

the poor and middle class.

[JoePhilly]

4. That's not an executive order ... take a civics class.

[jalan48]

6. LOL-um-what could he do to support the middle class?

You think supporting a big trade agreement with almost all of the Republicans is the answer. I don't think you quite get "civics". Nice try though.

[RandySF]

2. There's a limit to what EO's he can issue.

And they mostly pertain to Executive Branch operations. Government 101.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

5. A president can't mandate government spending programs with an executive order.

That function belongs to Congress according to the Constitution. Could he have introduced or supported more or better legislation? Maybe, but ultimately any financial support for the middle class (or anybody else) has to be enacted by Congress. Executive orders are intended as temporary fixes for executive branch situations and can be rescinded by the next president.