in the best interest of the country,†says Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Michigan). “But where we disagree with him in principle, we have to come up with more constructive alternatives. If he can also do that himself we’ll have a very functional relationship and help America get through a difficult time. ”
As many political pundits and even a few of Obama’s own advisers have observed, crises can also create great opportunities. For that reason, Mackenzie believes that Obama would be wise to wrap issues such as social security and other entitlement reforms into the economic stimulus plan. “Anything you can put forward under the cloak of economic stimulus is going to have a better time getting enacted in Congress than a [stand-alone] big tax and spend liberal program,†Mackenzie says. An expensive health care program could be an easier sell as part of the stimulus plan if it’s done while so many Americans are losing jobs and health insurance.
“Never waste a crisis,†says Wayne. “Obama has good will from the election. He’s the first Democrat since Lyndon Johnson to win 51% and has very big crises and problems on his plate. He has to take advantage.â€
Although escalating Middle East violence has dominated recent headlines, Mackenzie believes that early on, Mackenzie anticipates that initially Obama will rely on his national security team to handle the day-to-day responsibilities, chiming in as necessary. There may be a time down the road when he will have to issue a statement or make some sort of peace overature, says Mackenzie, “But I just can’t believe that foreign policy is going to be at the top of his agenda in the very early part of the administration except so far as it presents itself in a way that he as to deal with it such as a threat or attack on the U.S.â€