President Obama scolds GOP, touts Democratic accomplishments

[babylonsister]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/morning-fix/1-2-3-3.html?wprss=thefix


President Obama scolds GOP, touts Democratic accomplishments


At a fundraising dinner in New York City last night that raised more $1.3 million for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, President Barack Obama cast the last 18 months as tough but necessary -- highlighting a series of accomplishments that he believes his party can take to the voters this fall.

"The reason the economy is getting better is because {House Speaker} Nancy Pelosi and every Democrat here embraced the responsibility to lead," said Obama before detailing legislation on credit card reform, increased funding for veterans, remaking the student loan system and an overhaul of the health care system.

"This has been one of the most productive legislative sessions in history -- in the midst of crisis," said Obama. He did acknowledge, however, that "these guys have taken more tough votes in the last 16 months than Congress had taken in the previous 16 years."

To Republicans, Obama had a mocking message. "You would have thought at a time of historic crisis that Republican leaders would have been more willing to help us find a way out of this mess -- particularly since they created the mess," he said at one point, adding, jokingly: "Don't tell me how to mop. Pick up a mop!"

Obama's rhetoric gets at the fundamental strategic divide between the two parties this fall. Democrats want this election to be a choice between what they have done and what Republicans would do. Republicans see 2010 as a referendum on Democrats with their role solely to play the loyal opposition.

In 172 days, we'll find out who is right.

[saltpoint]

1. "Don't tell me how to mop. Pick up a mop!" -- Excellent.

Recommended.

[AndyA]

2. I hope President Obama and the rest of the Democrats repeat this sentiment often.

It's long overdue, if you ask me.

And they need to tell the American people what things would be like today had these steps not been taken. They need to expose the Republicans for what they are--air the dirty laundry in public--skid marks and all.

[political_Dem]

3. K and R. Now this is taking a step in the direction of fighting back.

n/t

[Clio the Leo]

4. It's kind of hard to mop AND whine AND lie at the same time. NT