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WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Barack Obama has gone out of his way to consult Congress on his economic stimulus package that could total $1 trillion, a strategy that’s aimed at building a collegial relationship with lawmakers from the outset of his presidency.
“Congress is a coequal branch of government. We’re not trying to jam anything down people’s throats,” Obama said recently as he lobbied for support of his plan and approval of the second installment of the $700 billion financial industry bailout.
To press his case, Obama visited Capitol Hill twice and dispatched top aides there several more times. He made dozens of telephone calls to Republicans and Democrats to seek their input and, lawmakers say, actually listened to their ideas — even from Republicans. Should it continue, Obama’s collaborative approach with the Democratic-controlled House and Senate would mark a dramatic break from President George W. Bush’s dismissive style with Congress, even when his GOP ran the show.
It also would contrast sharply with the troubled relationships the two most recent Democratic presidents — Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton — had with their Capitol Hill counterparts.
“At this point, he is signaling a desire to change the tone,” said Julian Zelizer, a Princeton University history and public affairs professor. “All presidents try to lay the groundwork for better relations but I do think he’s trying to do it a bit more aggressively.”
Yet, even before taking office Tuesday, Obama also has shown he won’t hesitate to use executive power to get what he wants.
He recently told ABC’s “This Week” that if his stimulus plan isn’t ready by mid-February, “Congress was going to hear from me.” Privately — and reluctantly according to aides — he told Senate Democrats last week he would veto any effort to block the bailout money.
A veto wasn’t necessary; the Senate signed off after Obama said his administration would track the taxpayers’ money closely — something the Bush administration has not done — and use some to help people facing foreclosure.
Several Democrats said they didn’t feel strong-armed.
“He indicated h
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Barack Obama has gone out of his way to consult Congress on his economic stimulus package that could total $1 trillion, a strategy that’s aimed at building a collegial relationship with lawmakers from the outset of his presidency.
“Congress is a coequal branch of government. We’re not trying to jam anything down people’s throats,” Obama said recently as he lobbied for support of his plan and approval of the second installment of the $700 billion financial industry bailout.To press his case, Obama visited Capitol Hill twice and dispatched top aides there several more times. He made dozens of telephone calls to Republicans and Democrats to seek their input and, lawmakers say, actually listened to their ideas — even from Republicans. Should it continue, Obama’s collaborative approach with the Democratic-controlled House and Senate would mark a dramatic break from President George W. Bush’s dismissive style with Congress, even when his GOP ran the show. It also would contrast sharply with the troubled relationships the two most recent Democratic presidents — Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton — had with their Capitol Hill counterparts.“At this point, he is signaling a desire to change the tone,” said Julian Zelizer, a Princeton University history and public affairs professor. “All presidents try to lay the groundwork for better relations but I do think he’s trying to do it a bit more aggressively.”Yet, even before taking office Tuesday, Obama also has shown he won’t hesitate to use executive power to get what he wants.He recently told ABC’s “This Week” that if his stimulus plan isn’t ready by mid-February, “Congress was going to hear from me.” Privately — and reluctantly according to aides — he told Senate Democrats last week he would veto any effort to block the bailout money.A veto wasn’t necessary; the Senate signed off after Obama said his administration would track the taxpayers’ money closely — something the Bush administration has not done — and use some to help people facing foreclosure.Several Democrats said they didn’t feel strong-armed.“He indicated h
