Congressman Paul Hodes (D-NH) speaks to both Jay Goodman Tamboli and Ellen Ratner after the State of the Union Address. Hodes says the speech [by President Obama] was “bold, courageous, honest, and uplifting.” Hodes says Obama “is a visionary leader” and gets to the core of things, making it possible for people to understand the challenges we face. Hodes says he feels that the plan is a “comprehensive approach.” One thing is clear, Hodes says, his [Obama's] commitment to “making schools work” and the commitment to a good education system is without question. Hodes also said “hello!” to radio host George Russell and everyone listening in New Hampshire, and thanks the people of New Hampshire for electing a leader like Barack Obama. (3:25)

Congressman Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) speaks to both Ellen Ratner and Christina Lovato (University of New Mexico, Journalism Program) after the State of the Union Address. Lujan says that he [Obama] spoke to them not just as Congress but as those the American people trusted to do the work entrusted to them. Every action we take, Lujan says, is important to the American people. Lujan then spoke to Christian Lovato, saying he knows that times can be tough, but [we will] make sure they [Amercians] get a quality education. “We all love our country,” he said. Lujan also spoke about small businesses, saying if we’re able to address the health care issue, we’re going to help small businesses, which he says are “the backbone of our country.” (5:14)

By Candyce Torres and Suzia Van Swol, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss) expresses his opinion on President Obama’s speech, reaching consensus within both parties, and comments on promises of cutting the deficit in half. “Well I would have started with not spending the eight hundred billion dollars that we have spent on the stimulus.” said Wicker

 

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Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks to Talk Radio News Services’ Bureau Chief Ellen Ratner after President Obama’s State of the Union Address. Sanders says he thinks this country has been crying out for real leadership, and finally after eight years a president has the courage to face the problems in our country. The solutions, he says, will not be easy, but will move our country in a different direction, and he says he thinks the President is trying to reach out to as many people as possible. “Let’s take a deep breath,” Sanders says, this is a stimulus package that is a “huge step forward.” As for Vermont itself, Sanders says he feels that the immediate goal is to not fall into a depression, since we are in a “very deep recession.” (3:55)

Congressman Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.) says “I think it was the 17th State of the Union I’ve heard, and I thought under the total circumstances facing this country, it was the best” and Pomeroy says it was a grand slam, home run of a speech.

by Suzia van Swol and Candyce Torres, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service

 

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January 29, 2008
Briefer: Tony Fratto
By: Ellen Ratner

Schedule:

The President had his normal briefings. This morning he has an interview with Morton Kondracke. Then he will go to Baltimore to make remarks on faith based program at the Jericho Program. This is the seventh anniversary of the President’s Faith Based Program. Later he will sign the Executive Order on earmarks that he announced during his State of the Union Address last night. Then he will meet with the Joint Chiefs and Combatant Commanders. This is an annual meeting. A list of participants will be coming from the White House later in the day. The House will vote on HR 5140, the Economic Stimulus bill. On Wednesday the President will fly to California and will discuss Free Trade. On Thursday he will go to Las Vegas and will discuss FISA and the Global War on Terror. On Friday he will go to Kansas City. Data will be available on jobs on Friday.

Financial/Budget Package:

In terms of an economic stimulus the White House said that the solution worked out between the Congress and the Administration will provide immediate tax relief and be large enough to make a difference. The budget will be presented on February 4th. The President will deliver a package that creates a budget surplus by 2012.

FISA:

The President will veto a thirty day extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act . When asked why the White House said they needed FISA and could not get a warrant. White House Spokesman Tony Fratto responded that the Senate had six months to pass a bill.

Iraq and North Korea:

Asked why the President did not mention North Korea in the State of the Union Speech, Tony said that there could be a whole briefing on things that were not mentioned in the speech. In terms of Iraq, the President did say that twenty thousand troops would be leaving Iraq by the end of 2008 this is not the entire surge force which added 30 thousand troops to Iraq.

Rep. Michale McCaul says that he is disappointed that President Bush did not focus on Pakistan in the State of the Union address.

 

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