Finding Some Republican Relief
Day 22
Feb. 10
"And Governor Crist shares my conviction that creating jobs and turning this economy around is a mission that transcends party. When the town is burning, we don't check party labels. Everyone needs to grab a hose! Governor Crist and governors across the country understand that."
—President Obama, joined by Florida Governor Charlie Crist at a rally in Fort Myers, Fla., on the economic crisis
Getting a Republican governor to stand onstage with the President and back his stimulus package was a victory for the Obama Administration after having so much trouble convincing the opposing party to back it on the Hill. While stumping in Fort Myers, among the hardest hit by mortgage problems, the President promises to personally announce foreclosure aid separate from bailout funds in a "couple of weeks," an initiative that should help blunt criticism that the White House is more concerned with helping Wall Street than helping Main Street.
Wall Street, however, is none too happy with the Administration's plans to lend a hand. The stock market tanks after Geithner's vague announcement of how the Administration will spend the remaining bailout funds, and Fed Chair Bernanke tells Congress he'll work harder to keep Americans better informed about where the bailout money is going.
Secretary of State Clinton sharpens her rhetoric on the leaders of Iran, telling them they have a chance to "work out a way of talking" — and shouldn't pass up the opportunity.