President Obama used his weekly address pull a bit of a Clinton Explainer-in-Chief about his use of pen and phone to get a few things done around DC.
Obama explained that he is trying to foster a nation of opportunity for all and this requires action that he is determined to take. Since Republicans won’t pass any actual laws to help achieve that goal — like a jobs bill for everyone — he has taken to using his executive power to help out.
Because Obama has dared to use the power given to him twice (the last time in a landslide) by the people, Republicans have been accusing him of being a dictator. As you’ve probably figured out by now, when Republicans are squealing about this President, they are most often not being honest. They have an on the record agenda to obstruct and destroy him, so their complaints should be taken with a grain of salt.
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But since many Americans aren’t aware that the Republicans swore to destroy his presidency as he was taking office in 2009, Obama explained what’s really going on. He talked about what he’s done so far to help create more opportunity and then swore to keep doing it (cue the Republican heads exploding, where are the Democrats who jumped in fear at a GOP finger pointed their way?).
The President said, “So when you hear me talk about using my pen and my phone to make a difference for middle class Americans and those working to get into the middle class, that’s what I mean.”
Watch here:
The President referenced his year of action, which as I noted when he first said it was a goal that should have alarmed Republicans, “I want to work with Congress on this agenda where I can. But in this year of action, whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families, I will. I’ve got a pen and a phone – a pen to take executive action, and a phone to rally citizens and business leaders who are eager to create new jobs and new opportunities. And we’ve already begun.”
Then the President laid out examples of what he’s done this past week:
In Wisconsin, I ordered an across-the-board reform of our training programs to train folks with the skills employers need, and match them to good jobs that need to be filled right now.
In Pittsburgh, I directed the Treasury to create “my-RA,” a new way for working Americans, even if you’re not wealthy, to start your own retirement savings.
In Maryland, I rallied the leaders of some of America’s biggest tech companies to help us make sure all our kids have access to high-speed internet and up-to-date technology to help them learn the skills they need for the new economy.
And at the White House, I brought together business leaders who’ve committed to helping more unemployed Americans find work, no matter how long they’ve been looking. And I directed the federal government to make hiring decisions the same way – based on whether applicants can do the job, not when they last had a job.
And now for the Explainer-in-Chief, “So when you hear me talk about using my pen and my phone to make a difference for middle class Americans and those working to get into the middle class, that’s what I mean.”
Oh my god, Obama’s talking to business leaders to engage them in helping the unemployed find work –Evil dictator, going around obstructionist Republicans. And who can bear the way he Bush-like expanded the power of his office — not to declare war based on a lie, but to help make sure children have up to date technological skills. Can’t you just see W going out of his way to make a “MyRA” for working class people to have a bit of a nest egg? DICTATOR.
If you’re not seeing Nixon yet, you might need your GOP 3-d Obama ray glasses.
Or just listen to the man speak. The President continued, “And I’m going to keep asking students and parents and business leaders to help – because there are millions of Americans outside Washington who are tired of stale political arguments, ready to move this country forward, and determined to restore the founding vision of opportunity for all. And so am I.”
Obama is acting toward our founders’ goal that there would be opportunity for all? Oh no you don’t, sir. Dictator!
The real reason Republicans are squealing wolf again and hopping mad is that Obama isn’t going to let America go down the crapper simply because Republicans want it to. It takes a teeny bit of their power to obstruct away, and this upsets them, just like it upsets a child when you take away the water gun they’re discharging on unsuspecting guests.
Obama left off with, “Thanks, have a great weekend, and to our Olympians in Sochi, go Team USA!”
DICTATOR.
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Sarah has been credentialed to cover President Barack Obama, then VP Joe Biden, 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and exclusively interviewed Speaker Nancy Pelosi multiple times and exclusively covered her first home appearance after the first impeachment of then President Donald Trump.
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