McCain Does More Bellyaching on Stimulus

The fact is, the stimulus is going to change and then it will be passed, but until then, the republicans have to appear worthy. McCain started a petition yesterday to derail the stimulus. That's fruitful. And today, he does some more bellyaching:

MCCAIN: No bill is better than this bill, because it increases the deficit by over a trillion dollars. It has so many programs in it that create no jobs whatsoever. And it has no provisions to put us on the path of a balanced budget, once our economy has recovered.

COURIC: You say that you're very far apart, both sides. Are you talking about all the Republicans in the Senate--even some conservative Democrats who are uncomfortable with this package?

MCCAIN: Well, I know there are some Democrats who are uncomfortable. I know there are some quote "liberal" Republicans who lean more towards this package, and so it really is kind of a muddle here.

COURIC: But Senator McCain, hasn't President Obama tried to do just that, reach across the aisle, go up to Capitol Hill, invite Republicans to the White House to get this thorough. I know he's consulted you on several occasions hasn't he?

MCCAIN: Well, look I appreciate what the President has done, talking to House Republicans and Senate Republicans but there hasn't been the negotiations to start with. Second of all, it passed--they passed it through the House without consultation with the--Republicans and over here in the Senate, they have rejected all of the particular amendments that Republicans had proposed. So we need to walk the walk as well as talk the talk here.

COURIC: You're offering your own alternative, along with Democratic Senators. What is different about your proposal Senator McCain?

MCCAIN: Well, it's half the cost. It has to do with tax cuts like the payroll tax cuts and business tax cuts. It has money for military construction as well as replacing equipment for the military and it triggers a mechanism that would increase the gross domestic product by 2%. In other words, our economy recovers. We've got to put ourselves on a path to a balanced budget and eliminating the deficit that's mortgaging our children's futures.

COURIC: Have you talked to President Obama about your proposal?

MCCAIN: Yes, I have talked to President Obama on the phone and I appreciate his outreach, not only by me, but to others. Now serious negotiations have to take place.

COURIC: Was he receptive to your plan?

MCCAIN: Well, of course, he said that things would be considered. But Democrats here in the Senate are not receptive.
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