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Obama's growing pains
Next week can't come soon enough as administration learns early lessons
 | NBC Video: Politics |
 Obama faces daunting December Nov. 27: Msnbc's Alex Witt talks with the Washington Post's Ruth Marcus about President Obama's plan for troop levels in Afghanistan, which will be revealed in the coming days. |
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 | Track President Barack Obama's promises Explore and track the president's campaign pledges. See if Obama keeps his word, and vote on his progress during the first 100 days. NBC News |
A historic election |
 | Take a look back at the election and inauguration of President Obama. |
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 | First 100 days Striking images from President Barack Obama’s jam-packed first 100 days in office, including a surprise trip to Iraq, a visit with Queen Elizabeth II, a handshake with Hugo Chavez, and the arrival of a new dog at the White House. more photos |
And for the White House, next week can’t come soon enough.
They know they will figure out a way to pass this package. But more importantly, passing it will give them a chance at a fresh start. And it will teach them some important lessons about how to move forward when they present even tougher asks to Congress and the American people.
A couple of things have struck me while watching this White House attempt to pass this first big bill.
First, they seemed to stop using the tools that got them to the White House in the first place. President Obama gave very few direct speeches to the American people and made few attempts to go local with supporters. It’s been a top down approach to governing in these first few weeks.
Second, the Obama White House forgot a few things about what it’s like to have nothing left to lose – the exact position the Republicans found themselves in.
It not hard to find something wrong with a bill as large as this stimulus package. Republicans (with the help Matt Drudge) did a great job at finding what I call the bumper-sticker negatives, be it contraceptives or STD treatment or sod for the National Mall.
But what should have the Obama administration been prepared for?
Extra Scrutiny
First, the administration should have expected extra scrutiny for their first bill.
Obama never should have allowed his first major piece of legislation to be written largely by a man elected to Congress when the president was only 8 years old. I’m referring to House Appropriations Chair David Obey.
I’ve noted many times here and in “First Read” the stunning lack of change inside the leadership of the House Democratic caucus. The roster of current committee chairs is not exactly a profile of change Obama outlined during the campaign.
Some day the public might actually revolt against the undemocratic system of seniority that allows Congress to keep the old ways of Washington engrained into the culture of Congress.
My guess is the White House will be much more involved in crafting future legislation facing this much press and scrutiny. They will either find support from members of Congress who don’t have as many pet projects, or they will convince the leadership that they ought to show some signs of change.
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