Obama Tacks to the Center at Governors Meeting
Among the many ad-libbed lines during President-elect Barack Obama’s remarks this morning at the National Governor’s Association was one that may raise the eyebrows of environmental and labor activists.
“„We are not going to be hampered by ideology in trying to get this country back on track. We want to figure out what works [...]
“„If you can show me something you are doing that’s working, or** [Emphasis added.]
The remark drew applause from many of the governors, who probably can name a few environmental regulations or worker protections unpopular with business interests in their states.
But while the comment is surely less popular with liberal activists, they can probably take comfort knowing that Obama has a 96 percent lifetime rating from the League of Conservation Voters and drew broad support from labor unions during the primaries, as well as the general election campaign.
While he may be willing to listen to the governors and open to some changes, it seems unlikely that he would turn his back on the concerns of these core Democratic constituencies.
