This is a class blog for the students of POLSCI 426: Congressional Politics at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

President Obama & Congress

Yesterday in class we talked about different styles of presidential relationships with congress. This article discusses President Obama's style which was exemplified yesterday at his health care summit.

What do you think of his style? Do you appreciate his thoughtful, collected manner aimed at consensus-building? Or do you think he could be more effective if he took a more aggressive approach? What would health care reform look like if he took a different approach with congress?

2 comments:

Kyle said...

I think that if Obama was more aggressive and provided more direction he would probably be more successful. He spends to much time trying to push his position without actually defining exactly what that position is, that it leaves everyone else in his party trying to do what they think he wants, all while having to take the blame from their constituents for being part of drafting an unpopular bill. If Obama stepped forward and laid out specifics, members in his own party might step up and support it because they could always place the blame back on him when their seats are up at the midterm.

Nicholas Reindl said...

One could make an argument that laying out detailed proposals from the executive branch is not always the best route.

President Clinton tried that in his health care reform plan in the 90's, and President Bush also tried that for social security reform in 2005.

In all 3 examples (Clinton, Bush, Obama) were the bills themselves unpopular? Or did the principals behind the bills lose the message war?

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