With no Republican support, the House approved an $819 billion stimulus plan that will serve as the cornerstone of President Obama's efforts to resuscitate the economy, an early victory for the new president but still a disappointment because of the lack of Republican votes.There are only 178 Republican members in the House, and one didn't vote for some reason.The measure passed 244 to 188, with 11 Democrats and 177 Republicans voting against it.
Despite what the reporters said, I'm not sure this is "a disappointment." I'd call it an early wake-up call to the Obama people: Republicans will not help you.
It does occur to me that after this display of non-cooperation, for the next four or eight years Obama could simply choose to say to the Republicans:
"Where were you guys when we tried to fix the economy? Nowhere. So why should I listen to you now?"
I doubt he will, though. He doesn't appear to be as nasty as I am.
Posted by Linkmeister at January 28, 2009 03:43 PM | TrackBack