President Obama’s address to the nation on Tuesday night is getting poor reviews, and some of his statements are being called into serious question. Obama and BP officials agree that BP will contribute huge sums of money for a recovery fund. BP leaders promise to make things right along the Gulf coast.
Obama’s ‘Lack of Leadership’
Louisiana Rep. John Fleming reacts to the president’s speech on the oil spill response and the ongoing debate over energy policy. Why does he think Obama is showing a lack of leadership? Is it because of the bureaucracy involved in the response or Obama’s personal handling of it? How does he respond to Obama’s claim that there’s no more oil to drill for on land or in shallow waters? What is the economic impact of the moratorium? We ask Rep. Fleming.
Minerals Distract from Afghan War
In recent days, reports from Afghanistan reveal massive deposits of minerals that could be a trillion dollar windfall. Is this a chance to revolutionize the Afghan economy or is this not as significant as some believe? And how might it be distracting us from an already difficult fight against our enemies? We ask Ann Marlowe of the Hudson Institute, who just returned from sixth embed with American forces in Afghanistan.
Obama Says Nothing New
Reaction to President Obama’s speech to the nation on the oil leak and energy policy has been mostly negative. Why are observers of all stripes underwhelmed? What did people want and need to hear that was missing from the address? Is the political fallout from this disaster fair? We ask Richard Benedetto, former longtime White House Correspondent for USA TODAY.
‘Get Government Out of the Way’
House Democrats are pushing their latest jobs bill – a $30 billion plan to help extend credit to small businesses through well-grounded banks. But is this paid for or will it just add to the debt? Will it create jobs or are employers too spooked to add new positions? What might be a better way to proceed? We ask Missouri Rep. Sam Graves, the top Republican on the House Small Business Committee.
Obama Needs ‘Believable Empathy’
President Obama will address the nation tonight on the oil spill and why America needs to pursue his energy policy agenda. But what does Obama need to convey after weeks of being perceived as being behind the curve? Is it more important to show compassion or competence? And what will be the political fallout if the spill continues late into the summer? We ask Larry Haas, former communications director for then-Vice President Al Gore.
Shades of Carter in Oil Response
Sen. John Barrasso says he has witnessed a ‘helpless’ administration deal with the Gulf of Mexico oil spill which is now in its ninth week. What does he think Obama should have done differently? What should be his first priority right now? Should the government mandate the creation of a fund paid for by BP but doled out by the government? And is this the time to pursue the president’s energy agenda or precisely the wrong time? We ask Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, a member of the Senate Energy Committee and Environment and Public Works Committee.
The News
President Obama is back along the Gulf coast pushing for better results on the oil spill and trying to shore up his own reputation. And North Carolina Rep. Bob Etheridge is forced to apologize after roughing up a young man on video last week.
Obama’s Uphill Climb
President Obama is on a two-day trip to the Gulf coast, and will address the nation on the oil spill and energy policy on Tuesday night. Is Obama showing the nation that he is on top of all this or has the public already declared his efforts a failure? How tough is it to reverse public perception? We ask Rich Galen, former press secretary to Dan Quayle and Newt Gingrich and author of the online column mullings.com.
Etheridge Tape Puts Seat in Doubt
North Carolina Rep. Bob Etheridge was not supposed to be in political danger this year, but now the seven-term Democrat is in serious damage control mode after being seen yelling at student journalists and even grabbing them angrily. So how will this impact his re-election effort? Will his apology make this embarrassment go away? We ask National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Paul Lindsay. We also get his thoughts on the impact of the Tea Party.