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Rahm Reaches Out to Republicans
November 20, 2008 3:08 PM
ABC News' Matt Jaffe reports:
President-elect Barack Obama's incoming White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel came to Capitol Hill Thursday, delivering a bipartisan message to top Republican lawmakers to come together to solve the current economic crisis, as well as the country's other challenges.
"In these challenging times, economically, the middle class are working harder, earning less and paying more and the problems facing and the challenges facing the country require that people of both parties work together to solve those problems," Emanuel said following a meeting with Senate Republicans.
"We would like to welcome their ideas on a host of fronts -- be that in the area of education, health care, taxes, energy policy, national security. You know, give us those ideas as we are formulating what we're going to do in the Obama administration," he said.
Emanuel, who conducted the meetings under Obama's direction, noted that he had enjoyed a "very good meeting" with Senate GOP leaders that lasted about half an hour. The future chief of staff then crossed over Capitol Hill to talk to two prominent House Republicans, Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana and new House Minority Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia.
"President-elect Obama has repeatedly said the challenges for the country are large, the problems we face are of a serious magnititude, that there is enough area and enough good will for ideas from both parties to solve those challenges," Emanuel added.
Obama sent a bipartisan signal himself when he met with his former rival for the presidency, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in Chicago Monday. Emanuel also attended the meeting, along with McCain's friend and colleague, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
- Matt Jaffe
November 20, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (29)
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"Get rid of the illegals"? LOL, they are the ones propping up our economy, largely since they do everything in cash and have a savings rate much higher than average Americans and they also pay their bills better than average Americans. Illegals are the hardest workers in this country.
Posted by: Jeff | Nov 20, 2008 4:40:04 PM
Lyndsi,
After eight years of mess, the Obama Administration is trying to allow for bipartisanship to take its place in allowing suggestions and ideas to help improve, as well as, confront the impending challenges. No, the O Admin. can't fix it all, especially not in 4 yrs, but rest assure that they will do much better than what the B Admin. tried to do. Although Obama can be so upset with the Repub. party (& some of the Dems. who didn't help either), he chose to be bigger than that by demonstrating exceptional & quality leadership, especially before he takes office in January. Go President-elect Obama & First Lady Michelle!
Posted by: devon | Nov 20, 2008 4:35:04 PM
Maybe the Republicans should learn to just vote "Present" and let the ax fall.
Posted by: Mike | Nov 20, 2008 4:29:30 PM
Get rid of the illegals in the country and 3 out of 5 problems listed will get a nice boost.
Posted by: Jess | Nov 20, 2008 3:55:24 PM
Great choice on Rahm President elect Obama, now Rahm do your thing lay your Smack down on those I dont care do nothing Republicans,Better be in good Bipartianship repubs we wouldnt want to make Rahm angry!!
Posted by: ANGIE | Nov 20, 2008 3:42:52 PM
And can you feel the love tonight
It is where we are
It's enough for this wide-eyed wanderer
That we got this far
And can you feel the love tonight
How it's laid to rest
It's enough to make kings and vagabonds
Believe the very best
Posted by: Deep Release | Nov 20, 2008 3:40:11 PM
Looks like their trying to get something done.
Posted by: TV | Nov 20, 2008 3:33:08 PM
This means absolutely nothing. words do not equal actions. We'll have to wait and see if Rahm actually means he cares about Republican input. But it's more likely that he'll send them a dead fish.
Posted by: Lyndsi | Nov 20, 2008 3:31:26 PM
Good start. I look forward to the new administration. Can't wait for Bush to go home.
Posted by: Phil | Nov 20, 2008 3:29:07 PM
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