Obama on Smerconish: Republicans Decided Early On to Fight Health Reform

Obama, who appeared on the Michael Smerconish show today, guarantees health reform. He also says he'd like republicans to be engaged but believes that GOP leaders decided early on to politically fight healthcare reform to avoid giving Obama a victory. He commends some republicans who are working on reform.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Obama on Lockerbie bomber release:

Obama speaks about Cash for Clunkers (which is ending Aug. 24):

A listener says she thought the public option WAS the entirety of health reform. Obama says no illegal immigrants will be covered in any of the bills:

Sebelius didn't misspeak:

Obama on AfPak war:

Senate Needs to Move on Cash for Clunkers

Ford said it had a 2% increase in sales for July, compared to last July, due to the Cash for Clunkers program. I'm betting the Senate will approve funding for the Cash for Clunkers. Why not? It's not new money, it's just redirecting money (that's already allocated in the stimulus) from one program to the Cash for Clunkers. If they don't, the program could end by Friday.

It would've been a better idea, though, if higher MPGs were required on the new auto purchase:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Mike Pence Defies Stimulus Evidence

The facts are: Conservatives will ALWAYS say that the stimulus is a bomb, even in the face of evidence, because that's not their ideology. For conservatives, the only way to solve any problem is to cut taxes. That is their only solution to any problem. That and "limited government," which is a mantra.

Obama Speaks on GDP

Obama says the stimulus put the brakes on the recession. The monthly jobs report next week is likely to show that we're still losing jobs and Obama reiterates we won't have recovery until jobs return. Obama said Congress is looking to use some recovery act funding to keep the Cash for Clunkers program going:

Popular Cash For Clunkers Not Suspended

The program that allows people to trade in their car for $3,500 or $4,500 discount on a new car may have run out of money in its first weekend. But contrary to media reports, it hasn't been suspended and it could be extended:

On cash for clunkers, Gibbs says the administration is working to find and develop ways to continue funding the program. Right now, he says, the program is "up and continuing to run."

"We feel confident that we'll have a solution...and that the program continues," he says.

For those wishing to buy a car this weekend, Gibbs continues, "the program will be in place." Politico

Yesterday republican Pete Hoekstra twittered that he was impressed with the program, so there will likely be republican support to continue the program.
Update, Obama's statement on the House approving more funds:

"I want to thank leaders in the House of Representatives for working quickly and in a bipartisan way to pass legislation that will use Recovery Act funds to keep 'Cash for Clunkers' going. This program has been an overwhelming success, allowing consumers to trade in their less fuel efficient cars for a credit to buy more fuel efficient new models. It has given consumers a much needed break, provided the American auto industry an important boost, and is achieving environmental benefits well beyond what was originally anticipated. The program has proven to be a successful part of our economic recovery and will help lessen our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of the air we breathe. I urge the Senate to act with the American consumers in mind to pass this important legislation."

Get Cash for Clunkers Starting in August

Here's a good explainer of how you could be able to get up to $4,500 to trade in a gas guzzler for a more fuel efficient car. The program starts in August and runs through November. Check the fuel efficiency of your car: fueleconomy.gov
Visit Cash for Clunkers here.