Topic: William Galston

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Can Obama turn it around?

A feistier President Obama has emerged as he makes the case for his jobs bill. But will campaigning for a plan that faces dim prospects with Republicans be enough to save his presidency?
Perry vs. Romney: Does it matter whom Obama faces in 2012? In short, yes.

Even with high unemployment and a sluggish economy, it still matters whom the Republican Party nominates to face Obama. For now, Romney appears likely to be a tougher foe than Perry.
Obama speech: Will his jobs plan work?

Obama speech outlined many ideas that are popular and have commanded bipartisan support in the past. But the words 'stimulus' and 'spending' are unpopular, notes at least one expert.
Congress, spooked by summer town halls, tries jobs fairs instead

The health-care reform protests of 2009 have made members of Congress worried about holding traditional summer town halls. As an alternative, some are holding jobs fairs.
Did Obama ignore his own deficit commission on federal budget?

Critics claim that the federal budget proposed by President Obama does nothing to tackle the structural causes of the deficit. Others counter that the time might not be right to go to battle over the deficit commission's findings.
Speaker John Boehner: Now the hard part begins

As Speaker John Boehner takes up his gavel Wednesday, his agenda and leadership style will come under almost immediate scrutiny. The challenge: to govern and not to obstruct.
For Obama and GOP leaders, just meeting is a bipartisan accomplishment

President Obama met with GOP leaders at the White House Tuesday. The gathering appeared long enough for little else but pleasantries – though, in the current climate, that's no small thing.
Obama's new job: reinvention

To avoid gridlock, he will need to master a new political reality – and win a battle of public perception.
Post election, Congress can't ignore the deficit

After midterms, Congress must tackle $1 trillion budget deficit. Proposed: crack down on tax evaders, cut non-war defense spending, and let tax cuts for the wealthy expire as scheduled.
America's Job No. 1: A better employment rate

A selection of solutions for a better employment rate: From cutting taxes to raising taxes, job sharing to job training.
Amid record debt, we need a welfare state we can believe in – and afford

For decades, liberals have promised us more and more government benefits, a trend that is bankrupting America with record debt. To serve the truly needy, conservatives must work to craft a leaner welfare system that we can actually sustain.
Why the White House wants Dems to keep the House – for the most part

Democratic leaders have been furious over White House spokesman Robert Gibbs’s comment about the possibility that the GOP will take control of the House in the fall.
Health care bill victory: Obama's historic moment

With House passage of the health care bill late Sunday, President Obama has succeeded where presidents going back decades before him have failed. But it was a hard-fought victory, costing him dearly in public approval and political capital.
Healthcare reform: Reaching finish line comes down to trust

Cutting deals to nail down votes is under way leading up to a House vote on healthcare reform. Trust that promises will be kept is key, but it's been eroding between House and Senate this session.
Five things to look for in Obama State of the Union address

President Obama delivers his State of the Union address at a political low point. He needs to buck up his party and soothe a frustrated electorate. Will he adopt his new fighting persona? Will anyone heckle him?
Are Democrats nearing civil war over healthcare reform?

Two major left-leaning activist groups are threatening to work against Democrats who vote against a public option or for abortion restrictions in healthcare reform legislation.
Is Obama taking on too much?

Bolstered by high approval ratings, the president sees a limited window of opportunity to enact his agenda.
Citing 'crisis,' Obama sketches recovery plan, lauds the American character

His national address Tuesday was part acknowledgment of the grave economic challenges, part pep talk.
Obama aims to cut deficit in half by ’13

This week is about the budget, as he issues his first, hosts a ‘fiscal responsibility summit.’
Which stimulus is better: tax cuts or spending?

Some analysts say government spending is more reliable because consumers often pocket tax breaks.
Obama's case for action

Spending big on the economy is less risky than doing too little, he asserted Thursday.
Obama said to pick a spy chief with little intelligence experience

But defenders of Panetta say he could bring valuable management skills to the job.
Obama already holds bully pulpit

He’s moving fast to build his governing team, but wants to avoid endorsing the policies of President Bush, whom he visits Monday.
Obama rose. Clinton slid fast. Why?

Poor planning for post-Feb. 5 races tripped up the Clinton camp, analysts say.