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Reporting and analysis from ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent and "This Week" Host George Stephanopoulos

George Stephanopoulos reports on events in politics, Congress and the White House for ABCNews, on the air and online. He interviews top newsmakers, discusses the events of the week and looks to the week ahead each Sunday on 'This Week.'

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No Compromise On Stimulus and Trade Agreement, Emanuel Says

November 09, 2008 1:01 PM

Emanuel_081110_main President-elect Barack Obama said this week that he wants Congress to pass a fresh economic stimulus package "sooner rather than later."

Democratic leaders proposed last month that Congress reconvene after the election for a rare lame-duck session to pass a new stimulus, but the White House is reluctant to do so in the final months of Bush's presidency. However, the administration signaled that the President could sign on this year if Congress attached the Columbia Free Trade Agreement.

When I asked incoming White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel this morning whether this was a trade worth taking, he made clear that Obama opposes the compromise: "You don't link those essential needs to some other trade deal," he said on "This Week."

On what a broader stimulus would look like under the Obama administration, Emanuel said, "it is essential that we focus on the stress and strains on the middle class."

But he would not say whether the President-elect would postpone his proposed tax increase on the wealthy.

--George Stephanopoulos

November 9, 2008 in This Week with George Stephanopoulos | Permalink | Share | User Comments (107)

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George Stephanopoulos you can stop licking Obama's nut sack now.

Posted by: Anita Yova | Nov 9, 2008 1:51:09 PM

George Stephanopoulos make sure you remind Obama that he promised all the working people 1000 dollars every year from the government.

Posted by: dandle lion | Nov 9, 2008 1:54:31 PM

Here is some advice to those individuals that are disappointed in the outcome of the elections. If you voted for Senator McCain and Governor Palin or if you were a disenfranchised Senator Clinton Supporter. Here are a few things that you can do to maintain in the upcoming four years.

1. 86 The Blogs, all of them, stay off of all of these blogs, specifically the ones that are left leaning and here is why. The Obamabots that have been on these blogs spewing nastiness towards the other candidates have not changed and they will not change, they will continue to come on the blogs and spew their hatred along with defend Obama, they have to defend him, because they have to justify voting for him. Let’s be clear, THEY WILL NOT HOLD HIM ACCOUNTABLE FOR ANYTHING. You will not get through to them, you will not change their minds, you will just fuel them. Let them argue amongst themselves and rip each other apart. If there is no one responding to them, they have no power.

2. During the Primaries and General Elections, you pretty much knew which network and radio stations were in the tank for Obama, now is your opportunity to let these networks know that you did not appreciate their inability to bring you fair and balanced reporting. Boycott these networks and their advertisers and let them know why you are doing it. Hold them accountable. Remember they will continue to be in the tank and they will continue to skew the news so that they can justify their behavior during the elections, THEY WILL NOT HOLD HIM ACCOUNTABLE FOR ANYTHING. If they tell the truth they will then have to take responsibility for not fully vetting Obama and they will not do that. Primary example: Chris Matthews on MSNBC already said that it is his responsibility to make sure that Obama’s Presidency is successful, this from someone who is listed on that network as t a Reporter. You have more power than you know.

3. Go out into your communities and dedicate your time and efforts: volunteer and look into your local city council and other city government initiative. Become and activist for those things which are of importance to you and your families. Make a difference. While the Obots are sitting and sucking up Oxygen trying to defend their votes, you can be out here making a difference for your children and their children.

4. There has been much talk about the fairness doctrine, which they more than likely will go after. I am a democrat turned independent and I am not loyal to any particular party, but I think that the left and the right should have the ability have their own stations or shows if they want to . Here is a solution. The Fairness Doctrine does not include Satellite radio, so here is a way to help the economy and help talk radio and put money in your own pockets. If this is passed, go out purchase a satellite radio and invest in the satellite companies, invest in organizations that gives you what you want. Encourage the talk radio host to go satellite and invest in their advertisers and the satellite products, this way you get to keep your talk radio and you also get to invest your money in products that support what you believe in. You have more Power than you know.

5. I know that you may be upset about the person that you felt would be best for the country not winning, but give the new administration a chance, although you may think in your heart that they will not do the right thing, give it an honest chance, because in four years, you get to be heard again. Instead of coming on blogs and arguing with people who will not budge no matter what because they have to defend their choice. Contact your congress Person, and State Senators and let them know what you do and do not like, remember many of the Democrats managed to get into their seats on Obama’s coat tails and because of the frustration of the country with the present administration, but the representatives know that they are more venerable than Obama, because the constituents will not be as loyal to them if they do not do what they promised their states and cities. Stay on them and let your voices be heard, put pressure on your Governors also, because many of them supported the President elect and if he is not governing from the center to accommodate all citizens then you let them know and they will be forced to push back out of concern for their own seats and their own careers. You have more Power than you know.

6. Last but not least, set a goal for four years from now, just think in four years you can earn an undergraduate degree, possibly 2 Masters Degrees, a Certification of some sort, take this next four years to make your life and the lives of your children and your families better. Do not wallow in pity but rise up and take action and become more involved. Stay off of the blogs, read the papers and look at the news shows that will give you fair information and keep abreast. This is your best weapon. Let the gloaters continue to gloat as they lose four years of their lives protecting their vote, you would have gained a great deal during this time no matter how this administration turns out.

Posted by: Brenda | Nov 9, 2008 1:58:52 PM

its fantastic to see obama taking charge, clearly america made the right choice... and i sure hope he doesn't compromise on his promise to make the rich pay their fair share of taxes... they have been getting away with way too much priviledge

Posted by: earthisnotflat | Nov 9, 2008 2:00:12 PM

I am here to collect on my 1000 dollars Obama promised me every year of my life since I am working making under 250,000 dollars a year.

Pay up. NOW

Posted by: scandleous | Nov 9, 2008 2:08:39 PM

The US Government should establish a Soverign Fund called "Invest in America's Future". The units could cost $100 and all Americans and permanent residents should be asked to make this tax-free investment. Foreigners should also be allowed to invest up to about ten percent of the fund, which no-one should be allowed to sell for 10 years. The fund could be divided into four units and could be managed by the best and brightest people in the business. Most investments should be made in American companies and dividends should be re-invested. About 25 percent of the funds could go into companies that develop technology for an energy independent future. I am sure that many oil rich countries would want to invest in an alternative energy fund. This might eliminate the need for tax increases in America and could even make the middle-class tax cuts more possible. People would then feel that they have done something to help their government in this crisis while making a great investment for themselves or their children. A win-win situation!

Posted by: Katherine Kemp | Nov 9, 2008 2:17:54 PM

The stock market has already issued its take on the Obama economic plan. Never before has the stock market seen a slide like the one the week after Obama won the presidency. The smart money is clearly not impressed with the Obama plan to tax businesses and capital gains. CARTER II STARTED 11/4/2008.

Obama won the presidency and the stock market died.

Posted by: Curt | Nov 9, 2008 2:17:56 PM

Wow, it looks like a lot of people overdosed on their stupid pills this morning. Enjoy your attempts to pull the GOP out of the wilderness. The rest of us will get to work on repairing the damage the Repugs have done to the U.S. for the last eight years.

And if you really love the CFTA so much, head to Colombia. That's where American jobs will go if that monstrosity is signed.

Posted by: Gemina13 | Nov 9, 2008 2:29:09 PM

This interview with Rahm Emanuel was worth nothing other than to say nothing has changed in politics. The simplest questions were danced around. My God the election is over and Obama doesn't have to worry about pleasing everyone until 2012. Why can't a direct and honest answer be given? I suppose the kind hearted way to look at the continued lack of specific responses is to say that his team don't know what they are going to do now that they won. I will say that Obama himself on Friday looked like the whole weight of this office hit him. I wonder how he will look with gray hair four years from now.

Posted by: tiredtoo | Nov 9, 2008 2:37:44 PM

Posted by: Brenda | Nov 9, 2008 1:58:52 PM

1. Where was the nastiness coming from? Look no further than Palin and the Republican ticket.

2. If the Republicans would have run on ISSUES and not the smear and fear of old, the media might have treated them a bit differently.

3. This is what Obama wants. He wants everyone to get more involved.


4."but I think that the left and the right should have the ability have their own stations or shows if they want to ."

I think they already do.

5.Let Obama get in office first and see what he does, then you can use that if it's not going the way we want.

6. The Democrats found out the truth about what the GOP was saying and researched enough to know they were lying about Obama.

The problem with a lot of the Republicans was that they did not look to see if what they were being told was the truth. My suggestion is go to sites from both sides and make your decision.Check the facts that you are being fed.

Posted by: Jwench | Nov 9, 2008 2:42:08 PM

Where is my $1000.00? I also want my credit cards paid off, my mortgage rate reduced and a new car. I voted for Obama because he promised me that I will no longer need to be accountable or to work for my keep. The democrats were going to give me money from all of those rich guys. Does anyone know when to expect those things to satrt taking place?

Posted by: LaFonda | Nov 9, 2008 2:45:34 PM

Posted by: tiredtoo | Nov 9, 2008 2:37:44 PM


He is President elect, he doesn't take office until Jan 20th. Why should or would he make decisions on things before he actually takes office? We still have a President in office who can make these decisions for the next 2 months.

Posted by: Jwench | Nov 9, 2008 2:48:13 PM

Where is my $1000.00? I also want my credit cards paid off, my mortgage rate reduced and a new car. I voted for Obama because he promised me that I will no longer need to be accountable or to work for my keep. The democrats were going to give me money from all of those rich guys. Does anyone know when to expect those things to satrt taking place?

Posted by: LaFonda | Nov 9, 2008 2:45:34 PM

He said no such thing you twit.

Posted by: Jwench | Nov 9, 2008 2:49:32 PM

Posted by: Curt | Nov 9, 2008 2:17:56 PM

Ok Einstein, I see you are still posting nonsense. Tell me how McCain wouldl have pulled us out of this mess.

Posted by: Jwench | Nov 9, 2008 2:51:12 PM

Is that really a woman using the crude remark like nut sack? How gross! I am embarrassed for that person to have never learned communication skills better than that to make a point. Sad!

Posted by: Mary Menard | Nov 9, 2008 2:51:49 PM

But that's what socialists do. Certainly left wing socialists. Does anyone know when we can expect our checks?

Posted by: LaFonda | Nov 9, 2008 2:53:34 PM

Posted by: Mary Menard | Nov 9, 2008 2:51:49 PM

Yeah real classy that one.

Posted by: Jwench | Nov 9, 2008 2:53:55 PM

I am amused by those that say "wait until he gets in office" before we criticize Obama. That is not what happened with Reagan, nor either of the Bush administrations. It is a sad fact, but this is the new nature of politics in America. You look for the first sign of vulnerability and you attack relentlessly. If you can shape the narrative of the incoming president before he even takes office so much the better. This environment was not created by conservatives but rather started with the treatment the left gave to Ronald Reagan. For them to now say, "hey, give him a chance" is a little too late. It is up to the left to demonstrate that they have changed and will treat republicans with respect, even as we disagree on issues and argue the merits of our respective approaches. However, do not for a minute believe that conservatives in being critical of Obama are doing anything that they have not done, and indeed, a tactic that they started.

Posted by: Curt | Nov 9, 2008 2:53:56 PM

I heard that we should be getting our money by March 1st. I'm gonna buy me an iPod and spinners for my car

Posted by: Tyrell | Nov 9, 2008 2:54:48 PM

Tyrell,

Spinners? cool. But you are thinking way too small. Obama is going to pay for your rent and gas for your car as well. With all of that extra money you can p!mp you whole ride...

Posted by: Curt | Nov 9, 2008 2:56:49 PM

Tell me what took place before Reagan and Bush took office. I am curious.

Posted by: Jwench | Nov 9, 2008 2:57:02 PM

yep march 1st. I'm gonna buy some new clothes and maybe one of those xbox things

Posted by: Winston | Nov 9, 2008 2:57:05 PM

I see the twit brigade is out in full force today.You must have read that nonsense on Fox news.

I hope he proves all you people wrong.

Curt,
I am still waiting for an answer to this

Tell me how McCain wouldl have pulled us out of this mess.

Posted by: Jwench | Nov 9, 2008 2:51:12 PM

Posted by: Jwench | Nov 9, 2008 3:00:14 PM

I thought it was $1000.00 each person, so I have my sights on a surround sound system for my family with blue ray player and xbox. I'm going all out this year. Is it going to be $1000.00 each year?

Posted by: Stephon | Nov 9, 2008 3:00:31 PM

You can call us twits all day as long as we get our money by March 1st. Obama promised.

Posted by: Keyrell | Nov 9, 2008 3:02:05 PM

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