Summers: 5 steps to more jobs... unless GOP blocks

By GottaLaff

Lawrence Summers, Director of the White House National Economic Council, was on CNN’s State of the Union today. He explained how we inherited a terrible situation, have "a long way to go", and reminded Candy Crowley that the president has had to get around the roadblocks the Rushpublics have consistently put up.

He went on to say the "trend has turned", despite what we got stuck with. He laid out what the Obama administration has planned:

In order to try to bring the unemployment rate down, Summers said the administration is taking five steps: (1) continuing to implement the approximately $800 billion stimulus package passed soon after President Obama took office, (2) implementing new measures including tax credits intended to encourage businesses to hire the unemployed, (3) additional support to protect workers in state and local government like teachers and firemen, (4) providing incentives for small businesses to expand, and (5) providing incentives to create “the new energy economy” that includes a focus on energy efficiency and renewable sources of energy.

He said number four was "critical".

He also said Congress needs to act on these provisions so that we can build a foundation for the future.

However (Yes, the H Word is back):

Asked why the administration did not seem to be pointing to any new proposals intended to battle unemployment, Summers suggested that some of the White House’s economic agenda was being held hostage by Republicans in Congress.

Gee, ya think?

Sidebar: Candy Crowley started the segment by emphasizing Obama's dip in the polls over the last year, failing to put it into proper context. As my Twitter pal Degringolade said, "Worst. Easter Candy. Ever."

Video- Candy Crowley slams McConnell's criticism of reconciliation: "You voted for reconciliation"

Sometimes they follow thru.

NSA adviser General James Jones suggests Cheney uninformed on national security

Oh this is pretty. Countdown to Mini Dick Lizzie coming to Pappy's rescue... 3...2...1...

Washington (CNN) – One of President Obama’s top national security advisers suggested Sunday that former Vice President Dick Cheney, a persistent critic of the Obama administration on national security issues, might not be informed enough to criticize the White House.

Asked on CNN’s State of the Union about Cheney’s criticism of the way Obama has chosen to fight terrorism and treat terrorism suspects, national security adviser James Jones replied, “Well, you know, if it’s informed, then that’s one thing.”

Jones, a retired Marine general, continued, “It’s important that people understand that we have a sitting vice president [Joe Biden] who’s very much involved in the day-to-day operations of our national security. He’s a member of the national security council. He has access to all of the information.”

Quote-O'-The Day: Obama draws huge crowds in Republican states edition

By GottaLaff

"It doesn't matter that it's a Republican state, he can still bring 'em in!"
--Candy Crowley just now on CNN, remarking at the size of the crowd at a packed Obama rally in Virginia.

"We're at a turning point"

By GottaLaff

I felt that something had changed today, and now I see I'm not alone.

David Gergen just now on Anderson Cooper 360 (paraphrased some):

I believe we're at a turning point... Because of the urgency of the state of our economy, McCain's momentum is fading, Obama has an opportunity... It's about the issues.

Candy Crowley:

They can paint McCain as George Bush.