Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

GOP Shifts Focus of Attacks Onto Obama

After targeting Pelosi, Reid, party aims at president on spending

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 5, 2009 7:50 AM CST

(Newser) – For 6 weeks the Republicans have steered clear of criticizing Barack Obama, attacking the House and Senate leadership, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, while giving the popular president a free pass. But now, reports CQPolitics, the GOP is changing direction with a new campaign linking Obama with federal spending that voters may end up disliking. "We’re going after his proposals," said House minority leader John Boehner.

While Obama's popularity keeps the GOP from making personal attacks, the president's transformative budget—and its massive deficits—offer the Republicans a new line of attack. Darrell Issa, the ranking Republican on the House oversight committee, laid into the president yesterday for "waste and abuse created by his massive spending spree." Despite the attacks, Obama is continuing his bipartisan push; yesterday, Boehner made his third visit to the White House for a dinner with the president.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio, looks on as President Obama greets lawmakers after the president opened the Fiscal Responsibility Summit, Monday, Feb. 23, 2009, in the White House. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio, gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, after the House of passed the stimulus. (AP Photo/Lauren Victoria Burke)

President Barack Obama shakes hands with Senate Minority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., as House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, R-Va., looks on, Wednesday, March 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Pelosi’s a particularly tough demographic to demonize.
She’s a woman, and she’s of a certain age level, and that’s a demographic both parties are trying to court.
- A senior Republican strategist tells Politico

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Getty Images

White Grandfather Cuffed for Walking With Black Granddaughter (NewsOne)

Man in Mugshot Explains Why He Has Half a Head (HuffPost)

These Exes Were Spotted Making Out … and That's a Bad Thing (Bleacher Report)

Help! I'm Having an Incestuous Relationship With My Twin (Slate)

Proof that Twitter Users are Sexier Than Facebook Users? (GeekSugar)

Partner Links

A snapshot of the day's best news stories.

View Larger Grid

All Today Yesterday Pick a Date

COMMENTS

Read the comment policy

Showing 3 of 12 comments

Guest

Mar 6, 2009 6:57 AM CST

Dictionary says: "Attacking a person's motives or character rather than the policy or position they maintain..." (You said, "You are so blinded... Get a little 3d in your minds and then come to talk again.")

Rob

Mar 5, 2009 8:15 PM CST

I’m sorry, Nut, I just don’t think you are using it correctly. Which means I can give you dictionary definitions all day long and it won’t make a difference to you and your use of it. It’s your understanding that’s flawed. Get it?

Guest

Mar 5, 2009 8:05 PM CST

Well then how 'bout you tell me what it freakin' means and stop your pussyfooting around? ("The question is rarely asked: Is our children learning?")

What's Popular Now on Facebook

Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds Major Cash Inside

Study Finds Arsenic in Baby Formula, Cereal Bars

CQPolitics (Source Grid »)
Politico (Source Grid »)

For GOP, Pelosi is no longer the enemy
Politico

Who leads the Republicans? Who cares?
Washington Examiner

Politics

Barack Obama • Congress • John Boehner • bipartisanship • House Republicans • Darrell Issa

More Newser Stories

House Expects to Clear Payroll Tax Cut Today

Though it's possible dissenting members could delay things

(NEWSER) - The payroll tax cut deal is expected to be ratified today, with congressional leaders planning voice votes that would require just a handful of members to be present, the Washington Post reports. Politico notes that the House will be using unanimous consent rules, however, meaning a dissenting member could force a vote next week. Because of the timing, disapproving members will have a hard time making it back to DC in time, but there are at least two who may object and force House members to return next week. More»

On Stimulus, White House Kept Congress Close

Prez still didn't get much GOP support

(NEWSER) - President Obama promised a new spirit of cooperation in Washington, and in his relationship with Congress, he did his best to deliver, the Wall Street Journal reports. Obama left congressional leaders wide leeway in crafting the stimulus bill and stayed in close touch with members. Joe Biden stayed on pivotal senators like Susan Collins, calling her back repeatedly in rural Maine. More»

GOP Stimulus Stonewall Spells Trouble for Prez

Obama team surprised by unified Republican opposition in House

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama's failure to snag a single vote from House Republicans for his economic stimulus package underlines the tough task the president faces in winning bipartisan support for his plan, notes Politico. Obama aides were surprised by the vote but expressed confidence that some Republicans will eventually come around. More»

After Stimulus Vote, Happy Hour's at the White House

Obama invites lawmakers for cocktails

(NEWSER) - A little liquor can buy a lot of goodwill. At least, that’s what President Obama is hoping—he’s invited key lawmakers to the White House for cocktails after the House votes this evening on the stimulus package, the New York Post reports. Keeping with Obama’s keenly diplomatic style, the invite list includes six House Democrats, six House Republicans, and five senators from each party. More»

House GOP Agrees to Payroll Tax Cut Deal

John Boehner reluctantly agrees to two-month extension

(NEWSER) - Get ready for a lot of "Boehner blinks" headlines. House Republicans have agreed to a two-month extension of the payroll tax cut after all, reports CNN . "Senator Reid and I have reached an agreement that will ensure taxes do not increase for working families on January 1," the House speaker said today. As part of the deal, the House and Senate will begin hammering out a longer-term extension in January. It's possible that the House could take care of business quickly in a voice vote, meaning relatively few members need be present, notes the Washington Post . More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

GOP Shifts Focus of Attacks Onto Obama