Just another empty suit, eh?

Watch Obama at the Republican caucus meeting. Ezra Klein notes that Republicans are already saying it was a mistake to allow cameras. Because Obama is good. And knows his stuff. Imagine Bush doing this. Just try.

Obama actually knows the policies. He isn't just using talking points. And isn't afraid to challenge the Republicans when he is the only liberal in the room. I liked this in his remarks where he notes that Republicans opposed the stimulus while taking credit for the money coming into their districts.

There was an interesting headline in CNN today: "Americans disapprove of stimulus, but like every policy in it." And there was a poll that showed that if you broke it down into its component parts, 80 percent approved of the tax cuts, 80 percent approved of the infrastructure, 80 percent approved of the assistance to the unemployed.

Well, that's what the Recovery Act was. And let's face it, some of you have been at the ribbon-cuttings for some of these important projects in your communities. Now, I understand some of you had some philosophical differences perhaps on the just the concept of government spending, but, as I recall, opposition was declared before we had a chance to actually meet and exchange ideas. And I saw that as a missed opportunity.