On Monday, President Barack Obama directed the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider a waiver request by California and 13 other states to set standards on auto emissions - including those of greenhouse gases - that are tougher than federal standards.

The directive represents a sharp break from the climate policies of Mr. Obama's predecessor, as well as an embrace of states' rights, a concept not strongly associated with the Democratic party for almost 50 years.

[snip]

Obama accused the previous administration of "dragging its heels" on efforts to halt climate change:

Third, the federal government must work with, not against, states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. California has shown bold and bipartisan leadership through its effort to forge 21st century standards, and over a dozen states have followed its lead. But instead of serving as a partner, Washington stood in their way. This refusal to lead risks the creation of a confusing and patchwork set of standards that hurts the environment and the auto industry.

Because Boehner can never whine too much or bcz Repubs won or something...??? How you like them apples, libs?

WASHINGTON - House Democrats appear likely to jettison family planning funds for the low-income from an $825 billion economic stimulus bill, officials said late Monday, following an appeal from President Barack Obama at a time the administration is courting Republican critics of the legislation.

Several officials said a final decision was likely on Tuesday, coinciding with Obama's scheduled visit to the Capitol for separate meetings with House and Senate Republicans. (My emphasis)

Today on WNYC, Jeff Madrick, NYTimes financial writer, was on the Leonard Lopate Show, and said he feared the Repubs were going to roll Obama (ya think?), and we would not get the needed stimulus, that tax cuts will not do the job.

Madrick has a new book, The Case for Big Government, in which he argues that in the current financial crisis, big government is the most effective way to regulate the economy. Audio at link, final segment.

That was depressing enough; now reading this tidbit about making sure poor people don't get family planning aid.

Who did win this election anyway? Really? St. Ronnie's ghost? Remember when we asked for more and better Democrats? Still need 'em, especially in the executive branch--and as prez.

C'mon, Obama--spine time.

Yes, I am disappointed. Rove had the 50% plus one strategy: Know your objectives and work for them. Obama has, apparently, the 80 vote or more strategy, meaning he has to curry favor with the Repubs. Sell out your party's principles to gain Repub votes for...what?  What if FDR had done things like that? No SocSec, no WPA, NO NEW DEAL!

Heartbreaking to relive it all again.

So, of course, I missed The Closer tonight...and the tennis from Australia.  No TIVO.  Sigh...

Obama ordered a halt to any last-minute rules and regulations put in place by his predecessor.