Gingrich criticizes Obama's approach to Economy

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich criticizes President Barack Obama's approach to the economic stimulus bill. He specifically says that "governing is not campaigning", and that Obama may be approaching the bill too hastily, because it's a bill he will have to live with for the rest of his presidency.

By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico - Talk Radio News Service

Mike Pence (R-Ind.): House Republicans are staying in this debate

by Christina Lovato, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service

"Republicans don't believe we can borrow and spend." said Chairman of the Republican Conference, Mike Pence (R-Ind.) in a pen and pad session held today. Pence addressed his feelings and concerns about the economic stimulus bill that was passed last week which had no support from Republicans. Pence said that there is a conflict of visions of how we should stimulate the economy coming from the Democrats and Republicans.

Joining Congressman Pence was Congressman Robert B. Aderholt (R-Ala.) who said that President Obama needs to talk with both Democratic House and Senate leaders because they are not being bipartisan with Republicans on this bill. "Having a fair bite of the apple is completely fair. I would criticize a Republican in the same matter." he said.

Pence said he is concerned about where some of the money is going saying that some things are unnecessary. He pointed out the 200 million dollars for the removal of fish passage barriers and other examples but says that they have Americans asking what that has to do with stimulating the economy. "House Republicans are staying in this debate." he said. Pence went on to say that "Bipartisan starts with listening." Pence stated that the bill was a partisan bill and that the Democrats completely ignored President Obama's hope for compromise and cooperation.

Pence and Aderholt both talked about their trust and admiration for President Obama. They were impressed for President Obama's appearance at a session held last week with House Republicans. Pence said he respected that President Obama was there listening and answering questions. "He is genuine and refreshingly respectful to people who differ with him." said Pence.

President Obama outlines plan for energy independence

At a press conference today, President Obama signed the Executive orders on energy independence and outlined a plan for the future. The initiative provides for the creation of jobs through an effort to make buildings more energy efficient. It also provides incentives for fuel efficient cars to be designed and built in the United States. President Obama pledged to work with state governments rather than against them. In response to the 35,000 jobs lost today, the President said to not expect a quick fix. He went on to say that much work needs to be done, and these executive orders are the next step.

President Obama's Guantanamo decisions bring joy to Human Rights Leaders

A delegation of retired military officers from the organization Human Rights First expressed confidence in the new administration's commitment to human rights following a meeting with President Obama and Vice President Biden.

"There was a sense, I think, of satisfaction but also very much determination; determination that this was the right thing to do and that we would be consistent with this going forward" said retired Admiral John Hudson during a conference call with reporters.

"There was certainly among us, the sixteen retired generals that were there, a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction and joy, perhaps, that the country was getting back on track with regards to the issues that we feel so strongly about."

The retired Admiral went on to laud Obama's executive orders regarding Guantanamo and the treatment of prisoners, pointing to the advantages of due process in civilian courts. The delegation noted the use of Guantanamo torture as "recruiting posters" for Al-Qaeda, the counterproductive nature of torture, and the tone of discipline that will be set by changing these practices.


Human Rights First has been working to advance prisoner treatment qualities, and has been active in legislative and public debates about torture over the last several years. They see the three executive orders which Obama signed today as congruent with their goals, and a definitive step in the right direction.

Retired Admiral Lee Gunn reminded reporters of the tone of President Obama's meeting: "There will be substatial conversation... about what happens looking back... But at the moment, and it strikes me as being completely appropriate, the focus is on moving forward."

President-Elect Obama: We need to think pratically about moving ahead with the economy

President-Elect Obama held a press conference, addressing the failing economy and his plans once in the White House on Jan. 20th. "Immediately after I become President, I will confront this economic crisis head-on by taking all necessary steps to ease the credit crisis, help hardworking families, and restore growth and prosperity," Obama said.

Obama said that one of the first things his administration needs to do will be to implement a rescue plan for the middle class that invests in immediate efforts to create jobs and provides relief to families that are watching their paychecks shrink. "A urgent priority is a further extension of unemployment insurance benefits for workers who cannot find work in the increasingly weak economy," Obama stated.

The second thing the President-Elect said needs to be done is to address the spreading impact of the financial crisis on other sectors of the economy; Small businesses that are struggling and state and municipal governments facing devastating budget cuts and tax increases, "We must also remember that the financial crisis is increasingly global and requires a global response," Obama said.

The last thing the new administration will need to do is to review the implementation of the previous administration's financial program to ensure that our government's efforts are achieving their central goal of stabilizing financial markets while protecting taxpayers. "It is critical that the Treasury Department work closely with the FDIC, Housing and Urban Development and other government agencies to use the substantial authority they already have to help families avoid foreclosures and stay in their homes," President Elect stated.