Obama Outlines Ike-Style Public Works Push

Hillary Clinton, as 'buyer's remorse' plagues a third of the country

(NEWSER) - The most popular politician nationwide is the one that got away: Hillary Clinton. Nearly two-thirds of the country sees the secretary of state favorably, and a third are battling what Bloomberg terms “buyer’s remorse” over not electing her president. Just over a year ago, only a quarter of Americans felt that way. “Looking back, I wonder if she would have been a stronger leader, knowing the games and the politics and all that goes on,” says a Florida woman. “I don’t think she would have bent as much.” More»

But problem may be too big to fix

(NEWSER) - As he announced the appointment of Alan Krueger yesterday, President Obama promised a speech outlining his new jobs agenda next week—but behind the scenes, Obama and company haven’t actually agreed on that agenda yet, the Washington Post reports. The president is considering a number of options, including a tax credit for companies hiring new workers, an infrastructure bank, clean-energy tax cuts, and revamping the unemployment system so that it pays companies to hire out-of-work people. More»

President to trade short-term spending for long-term cuts

(NEWSER) - President Obama's promises to boost jobs and cut the deficit are taking shape, with a new stimulus and tax cuts for companies that hire new workers to be announced in a major address right after Labor Day, reports the Washington Post . The stimulus is said to focus on road building, construction, and the long-term unemployed. The president may also propose mortgage relief for struggling homeowners. More»

First reelection bid outside DC in recent memory

(NEWSER) - President Obama’s reelection campaign will likely be based in Chicago, not Washington—a rare move for a sitting president, and one that his advisers hope will help him rekindle the energy of 2008, Politico notes. Usually, campaigns are kept close to the president’s DC home, where they’re easily accessible, said a Democratic consultant: "In modern presidential history, this is kind of revolutionary." More»

Republicans, Obama agree to payroll tax holiday, middle class breaks

(NEWSER) - The tax cut deal President Obama struck with Republicans yesterday is far more sweeping than lawmakers on either side of the aisle were expecting, and aside from extending the Bush tax cuts across the board, here's the lowdown, as per the Washington Post:

• Inheritance tax: After a year's lapse, individual estates worth more than $5 million (twice that for couples) are now subject to a 35% levy.
• Payroll tax holiday: Will extend across all income levels, costing $120 billion. A couple making $70,000 a year will see $1,400 in savings.