Politics & Government

Wisconsin GOP Blasts Obama Economic Speech for 'Empty Rhetoric'

Following President Barack Obama's broad speech on the economy Wedensday, state Democrats and Republicans reacted to Obama's proposed policies.

A Wisconsin Republican Party official said Wednesday the points made in President Barack Obama's economic speech made at an Illinois college does not make up for a lack of solutions thus far in his presidency.

But one Milwaukee Democratic leader praised Obama for "leading from the front" in order to shift the focus of an ongoing debate about the economy.

Obama traveled to Knox College in Galesburg, IL, Wednesday to deliver the speech, the first in a series of campaign-style talks designed to promote his economic policy agenda for the rest of his presidency.

Obama focused on bolstering the middle class as the solution for a still-struggling economy. He revived an idea he debuted at Knox College in 2005, pledging to build "an economy that grows from the middle out, not the top down."

The address was not complete with specifics, though it included some proposals like raising the minimum wage. More details are expected to arise in the coming weeks as his tour continues.

Congress a Target for President

Obama took a strong position against the inaction of an unpopular Congress, emphasizing the power of the executive branch and hinting at executive orders.

"I will not allow gridlock or inaction or willful indifference to get in our way," he said.

But Jesse Dougherty, spokesman for the Wisconsin GOP, lashed back with a press release after the speech, saying Obama "refuses to work with the Republican leadership."

"As the president visits the Midwest this week, he continues to do what he does best — giving speeches without actually offering a real plan to get our economy back on track," Dougherty said.

He equated Obama's policies with the failed strategies of Illinois, suggesting that Obama should look to Wisconsin in considering his economic policy.

"As we here in the Badger State continue to see job creation and economic growth under the leadership of Governor Scott Walker and the Republicans, Obama continues to align with rhetoric over real results," Dougherty said.

Democrats Turn Table on GOP


Sachin Chheda, chair of the Democratic Party of Milwaukee County, vehemently disagreed, comparing Republicans' accusations to their own tactics.

"Republicans just want to win elections, so they accuse the president of doing what they're doing. That's not compelling to the American people," Chheda said. "Republicans in Congress get caught up in political fights and repealing Obamacare — things that don't really make the economy stronger."

Chheda was compelled by Obama's ability to focus the discussion of the economy on factors that affect Americans in their daily lives.

"We have seen the stock market do well, and corporate profits are at an all-time high," he said. "But what most families care about is having enough money to pay the mortgage and send their children to college — and maybe taking a vacation once in a while."

Patch intern Charlie Gorney filed this story from Galesburg. He is editor-in-chief of The Knox Student.


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