President Obama Takes Questions From Senate Democrats (Inc. Full Video & Transcript)

[Turborama]

Run time: 10:06 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQTN6igFriQ   Posted on YouTube: February 03, 2010 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: February 04, 2010 By DU Member: Turborama Views on DU: 908

 
Full video: http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/president-obama-takes-questions-senate-democrats

Full Transcript: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-senate-democratic-policy-committee-issues-conference

The embedded video is the end of the intro in which he mentions rejecting the Republicans' fist.

Now, obviously, on some issues, we didn't agree. But on some, we did. And I'm reminded that when it came to health insurance reform in particular, I sought out and supported Republican ideas from the start -- so did you. Max Baucus -- where's Max? I think he can testify to spending a little time listening to Republican ideas. So can Chris Dodd and Tom Harkin. You considered hundreds of Republican amendments, and incorporated many of their ideas into the legislation that passed the Senate. So when I start hearing that we should accept Republican ideas, let's be clear -- we have. What hasn't happened is the other side accepting our ideas.

And I told them, I want to work together when we can, and I meant it. I believe that's the best way to get things done for the American people. But I also made it clear that we'll call them out when they say they want to work with us and we extend a hand and get a fist in return.

Last week, for example, you put up for a vote a bill I supported -- Conrad-Gregg fiscal commission. We were sure this was going to be bipartisan, only to see seven Republicans who co-sponsored the idea in the first place suddenly decide to vote against it.

Now, I'm open to honest differences of opinion. But what I'm not open to is changing positions solely because it's good short-term politics. And what I'm not open to is a decision to stay on the sidelines and then assign blame. I've little patience for the kinds of political calculation that says the cost of blocking everything is less than the cost of passing nothing; that basically says "If they lose, I win." That's been the politics in Washington for too long, and the problem is it leaves the American people out of the equation.

[spicegal]

1. Does he really believe the other Party is centrist and reasonable?

[spicegal]

2. That was wonderful. I particularly like the part where he reminded them of their Democratic values

and why they got into politics in the first place.

[greiner3]

3. Ralph Nader complains the two parties are too much alike;

And Obama tries his damnedest to prove he's right.