POTUS Weekly Column – Obama blasts Republicans over shutdown, quietly celebrates anniversary amid Capitol shooting

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POTUS Column Photo LabeledOctober 7, 2013
Lauren Staehle
News Writer
POTUS

President Obama was feeling the heat this week, along with every other politician in Washington, as the government shutdown intensified conflicts between parties, and angered some 800,000 furloughed workers. The president spent most of the week addressing the shutdown and explaining why Republicans are to blame. However, the Republicans are stuck in their own ways, and between the two parties, a frustrating stalemate continues with no sight of compromise.

Before he would have to face the reality of the shutdown, President Obama enjoyed a Saturday game of golf at Fort Belvoir with Joe Paulsen, Walter Nicholson and Marvin Nicholson.

On Monday, the president met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office. President Obama told the Prime Minister that “there is no better ally – more reliable, more stable, more democratic – other than Israel… so I welcome the opportunity that we’re having to discuss how we work closely together to address the enormous challenges that face both of us.” Among the topics of discussion were Syria, Iran and Egypt.  President Obama pointed out: “These are hectic times, and nowhere is that more true, obviously, than in the Middle East.” Obama also commended Netanyahu “for entering into good-faith negotiation with the Palestinian Authority in discussing how we can resolve what has been, obviously, one of the biggest challenges for a very long time in the region.”

Later in the day, President Obama sat down for a short meeting with cabinet members to discuss the impending shutdown. At that point, it seemed that a shutdown was inevitable, and preparations, according to the president,  to make sure the core essential functions continue, but also, obviously, to help try to manage what’s going to be a very difficult potential situation for the employees of all of these agencies, who are doing outstanding and very difficult work all across the country.”

Tuesday marked the first day of the government shutdown, and furloughed workers were able to work a half-day before being forced to head home. The president gave a speech in the Rose Garden, addressing healthcare and the shutdown, which has no effect on ‘Obamacare’ moving forward. Despite the healthcare debate that was causing much of the tension between parties, certain features of the Affordable Care Act went into effect on Tuesday. “The Affordable Care Act is a law that passed the House; it passed the Senate.  The Supreme Court ruled it constitutional.  It was a central issue in last year’s election,” said President Obama. “It is settled, and it is here to stay.  And because of its funding sources, it’s not impacted by a government shutdown.”

He also made it clear in his speech that it was “Republicans in Congress [who]chose to shut down the federal government.” He added: “One faction, of one party, in one house of Congress, in one branch of government, shut down major parts of the government — all because they didn’t like one law.”

However, on Wednesday, Obama called for a meeting with congressional members, indicating that, maybe, some progress was being made. In attendance were Harry Reid, Mitch McConnell, John Boehner and Nancy Pelosi. But, according to Boehner, the meeting was only a confirmation that the president “will not negotiate.” Boehner told reporters that it was “a nice conversation, a polite conversation,” but he urged Obama to “allow the process that our founders gave us to work out.” Reid, however, told reporters that Boehner should “just take yes for an answer,” and both he and Nancy Pelosi agreed that the House had their opportunity to fight Obamacare, but now is not the right time.

Thursday brought a slight diversion for the president, as he and First Lady Michelle Obama would celebrate their anniversary. Before the celebrating could begin though, President Obama would have head to Rockville, Maryland to give a speech at M. Luis Construction Company. He would focus on small businesses and how the shutdown impacts them. “Companies like this one worry that their businesses are going to be disrupted,” said President Obama. “It’s not because of some financial crisis. It’s happening because of a reckless Republican shutdown in Washington.” Obama then spoke about how small businesses are being hurt, saying: “The SBA gives $1 billion a month to small businesses… Right now those can’t be processed because there’s no one there to process them.”

He then headed back into the city, but he would get only a short break before a disruption occurred in the form of another shooting situation — this time on Capitol Hill. He was briefed on the incident, but luckily all lockdowns were lifted after a short while.

The First Couple then, finally, got to celebrate their 21st anniversary. They stayed in Thursday night, but there may be plans to go out to one of their favorite DC restaurants over the weekend.  

On Friday, President Obama announced that he would be canceling his entire trip to Asia in order to deal with the issues at home. He was planning on attending the APEC summit, where Asian countries would gather to discuss economic developments and concerns. Secretary John Kerry is scheduled to take his place in Bali.

Around lunchtime, President Obama headed over to Taylor Gourmet sandwich shop on Pennsylvania Avenue, where he announced that furloughed workers would get a discount on Taylor’s yummy sandwiches. President Obama told reporters: “Part of the reason we’re here is we’re starving. The other reason we’re here is that this establishment is giving out 10 percent off to furloughed (workers).”

That ended the week for the president. He has certainly felt the pressure from opposing party members and unhappy government workers, but as one supporter at Taylor Gourmet proclaimed, “hang tough Mr. President,” you can do it.

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