by Mark Silva
The challenge that President Barack Obama faces is not simply the greatest since the Great Depression, his vice president maintains - but the first 100 days of the Obama administration are simply the most difficult of any administration's.
"This president has inherited the most difficult first 100 days of any president, I would argue, including Franklin Roosevelt - let me explain what I mean by that,'' Biden told many dozens of donors and officials at a Democratic National Committee thank-you reception in Washington last night. "It was clear the problem, Roosevelt inherited,'' Biden suggested. "This is a more complicated economic [problem]. We've never ever been here before - here or in the world. Never ever been here before.
"Barack and I would not be here were it not for all of you," Biden told campaign donors at the DNC reception.
You've heard of talking points?
Biden said he had two "generic points'' to make.
"You all worked for change,'' Biden told the 250 people assembled in the lobby of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. "You wanted to see change.
"Well that wasn't a hard thing to try to communicate to the American people,'' Biden said. "Obviously, obviously we needed a change almost no matter who was running.... But what Barack insisted on was that he said he wanted to change the dynamic of the American public...
"No president - let me say this again - no president has gotten off to the start he's gotten off to," Biden said of President Barack Obama. "Not merely in terms of his continued popularity... but he's actually, actually done things that have not been done before."
Biden pointed to the "Lilly Ledbetter Act'' and tax cuts provided in the stimulus bill. "It's not much to a lot of us,'' Biden said of the payroll tax cuts, "but let me tell you something, if you get 70 or 80 bucks in your paycheck that's not being withheld in your paycheck is a big deal for a lot of people.''
"Folks, this is the real deal, this ain't politics,'' Biden said. "This is life and death for a lot of people.''
He spoke of the president's intention of closing the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: "We will never engage in torture. We will close Guantanamo Bay.''
He spoke of his own assignments from Obama: "He's given me - and I'm flattered - he's given me some significant responsibilities ... in this job. And as I travel the world on behalf of the administration ... it has a profound impact on our ability to do business around the world.
"This president has inherited the most difficult first 100 days of any president, I would argue, including Franklin Roosevelt - let me explain what I mean by that,'' Biden said. "It was clear the problem, Roosevelt inherited. This is a more complicated economic [problem]. We've never ever been here before - here or in the world. Never ever been here before.''
Biden made a budget plea as well:
"There's one more piece and we need your help. It's not about money. It's about influence. It's about your voice.
"And that's this budget. Our friends on the right say we can't afford this budget,'' Biden said. "Well I say without equivocation - I speak for Barack Obama when I say, we can't afford not to have this budget.''
Of the $3.55-trillion budget for 2010 that Obama is proposing, Biden said: "This is not a moral imperative. This is about economic stability... And if we don't become once again the best educated country in the world - which we are not - as my wife is fond of saying if a country out educates us, they will out-compete us...
"So folks, this is about change,'' Biden said. "And I know some of you are holding your breath with what we're doing. This is about the change we meant. We meant fundamental, foundational change....''
And as for the president's agenda: "This is not about ideology. This is about economic necessity.''
Tim Kaine, governor of Virginia and chairman of the DNC, told the guests of his three goals as chairman:
"The DNC is the political arm of the White House," the party will win a lot of elections and it will help the president win passage of his agenda: "We're doing more for OFA, Organizing for America ... We're rolling it out this week."
Economic success, Biden, conceded, is good for his party.
"I want to tell you one last thing and this is a political point that I probably shouldn't make with the press here," Biden said, acknowledging a small pool of reporters covering the reception. ""Congress's approval rating doubled since the Democrats are in office - not because they're very popular right now - but because they took action."
Comments
Was the "green" beer flowing too heavy last night? Is there a great new "confidence" arising among the American economy and the Obama WH policies? My wallet can' hold all this new stimulus cash. Somewhere I still think of his famous comment; "is this a joke?". Ah Joe, where is the money? As Senator did you not think that Turbo Tim's AIG's bailout plan canned their bonuses? I bet you failed to read that "hurry up,stop the meltdown" piece of legislation. Ah, just another hiccup. Give us a break, tells us about the latest need for another borrowed trillion or a second so-called stimulus. Obamaland, gotta love it.
Posted by: bubba Porter | March 17, 2009 8:47 AM
The "most difficult" first 100 days of any president?
Has Biden heard of Abraham Lincoln? Secession crisis? Fort Sumter? Breakup of the U.S.? Little thing called the Civil War?
Joe Biden. The GOP's secret weapon.
Posted by: "Change You Can Believe In" | March 17, 2009 8:50 AM
I think an honest appraisal of President Obama's first hundred days, would be good, to very good !! Given the disastrous economy, two wars and a dysfunctional government apparatus, he has fared well. He has made missteps and less than well thought out statements, but, by and large, America supports his efforts and are still impressed with his dedication and intelligent approach to governing. He admits his mistakes and seems to try very hard, to know the issues thoroughly enough, to make educated decisions, concerning them !! He hasn't been overly partisan, but he will not submit to a wrong-headed Republican agenda, just to gain their support. President Obama won the Presidency, not the Republican Party !! He has proven to me that voting for him was the right action to take !! i couldn't be more pleased with my vote !! My only hope now is, that the Republican Chorus Line, of: " Fail, President Obama, Fail !! ", would change their lyrics to: " Succeed, President Obama, Succeed " !! You know that old saying, though: You can't teach an old elephant, new dance steps !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, America | March 17, 2009 8:58 AM
Obama and Biden are pissing away our children's future with thier ridiculous spending bills. I hope Congress wakes up and doesn't pass any of their ear mark laden, pork barrel spending BS bills. Shame on you Obama, Biden and Democrats for getting money from hard working tax payers and giving it to failing companies and welfare leeches. DO NOT REWARD FAILURE.
Posted by: Ben F. | March 17, 2009 9:10 AM
Would agree the first 100 days are hard when you are ,dumping or trying to push Socialism on the American people.
Posted by: Inky | March 17, 2009 9:30 AM
Joe-let me say that again- Joe, if you and your boss were car salesman-Joe-and I were on your lot...I would ask you both to please go away and leave me alone. If I find something here that I am interested in I'll come in and tell you how much I willing to pay for it, okay Joe? It's a trust thing Joe.
I trust myself more than I trust the two of you and a bigger more complacent government.
Understand me?
Posted by: Rob | March 17, 2009 9:43 AM
Obama knew what he was getting into when he ran for president.
Stop the whining, stop the spending, stop the taxing, stop trying to impose restrictions on personal freedoms.
Already tired of the Obama PR machine.
Posted by: Andy | March 17, 2009 10:12 AM
Biden can suggest to The Obama (talk show host wannabe) that the Oval Office be turned into a studio. Biden as a half wit impersonating Ed and Obama as a delusional and 'slow' (off telepromptor) host (sorry Johnny etal)
Posted by: JI Mayer | March 17, 2009 10:15 AM
Biden is right (that sounds strange, doesn't it?). Although I'd say most difficult of the last 100 years. This is an entirely different economic climate than it was 70 years. FDR knew exactly what he had to do, as the system was in need of serious reform. Today, the problem is entirely different, besides these days the press, the internet and TV dictates the public mood, and that wasn't so in 1933. Without some serious long-term strategies, we are doomed to a continuous bubble and bust cycle.
Posted by: lisa | March 17, 2009 11:08 AM
Thus far President Obama has done well and will succeed.Biden is right,Obama is the greatest president the US has ever produced and will ever produce.He has the support of the majority,they trust him.We do understand that he has inherited a corrupt and treachrous political machinery, but thus far he has an A+ performance.The majority of the people are not stupid or blind to Washington and Wall street politics.This is changing,this is the change we voted for.We trust our president.This is a man who thinks through issues issues and is willing to consult with a variety of opinions.I pray for your success Mr President.You will continue to succeed and AMerica will be a great nation once.
Posted by: Modern sage | March 17, 2009 12:09 PM
Thus far President Obama has done well and will succeed.Biden is right,Obama is the greatest president the US has ever produced and will ever produce.He has the support of the majority,they trust him.We do understand that he has inherited a corrupt and treachrous political machinery, but thus far he has an A+ performance.The majority of the people are not stupid or blind to Washington and Wall street politics.This is changing,this is the change we voted for.We trust our president.This is a man who thinks through issues issues and is willing to consult with a variety of opinions.I pray for your success Mr President.You will continue to succeed and AMerica will be a great nation once again
Posted by: Modern sage | March 17, 2009 12:11 PM
Hmmmm, I noticed the posting times of these Swamp articles from Mark Silva. There is 15 minutes from one to the next. Thirty minutes to another. So, Mark, do you actually get these little pieces of tripe directly from the White House and then just put your name to them? Your parents must be so proud that their son is a propagandist tool. Is that what they spent all that money on when you went to college all those years ago?
Posted by: John D | March 17, 2009 12:24 PM
You read some of the moronic comments, from the inept Party, which is making the losing of elections, their national art form and you wonder, where were these poor souls educated !!? I hope it wasn't the bargain basement at Wal-Mart, because, all of those deals, were made in China !! It does look like that is where they were educated and word on the street is, China's about ready to recall those deals !! So, in effect, all of those moronic comments from the Republican Party were made in the Republic of China. I thought the Republican nonsense sounded familiar. Come on, boys and girls, support our American President, President Obama !! It can only help him succeed, if that is truly what you want him to do !! Get on board, the Obama Economic freight train, it will deliver the goods, to all of the people of America, not to the rich and the toadies !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, America | March 17, 2009 3:07 PM
Yeah, that Lilly Ledbetter Act, that's a real economic engine...for employment lawyers. Joe is a great spokesman for the AFL-CIO and the rest of the special interest groups Obama has to pay off, but I hope he is not in charge of any economic recommendations. Please leave that to the economists, Joe.
Posted by: Say it ain't so, Joe. | March 17, 2009 4:47 PM