WASHINGTON, D.C.–Reaction to Pres. Obama’s State of the Union address from Tuesday followed party lines, with the Republican members of Mississippi’s delegation rejecting the president’s approach to economic growth and the state’s lone DC Democrat embracing the president’s plans as empowering to the middle class.
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D) of District 2 told News Mississippi in a statement that the president has a strong vision for those who would like to better their economic situation.
“President Obama spoke to the American people presenting solutions to grow the economy, strengthen the middle class, and to empower all those hoping to join the middle class. His proposals reflect a core vision shared by House Democrats: that a strong, thriving middle class is essential to a strong, prosperous America.”
Not surprisingly, Sen. Roger Wicker disagreed.
“Tonight, President Obama used the prime-time moment to set forth a big-government agenda – not bipartisan solutions.
“After five years of the Obama Administration, Americans are tired of waiting for recovery. The economy is still weak, dragged down by anemic growth and high unemployment. A fundamentally flawed health-care law has forced families across the country to deal with canceled insurance policies, higher premiums, and fewer choices.
“At a time for leadership and cooperation, the President continues to threaten unilateral executive action instead of offering to work with Republicans and Democrats. The President continues to advocate the politics of jealousy rather than promoting a message that would inspire economic growth.
Sen. Thad Cochran said the president’s plan have too much government included.
“The American people deserve opportunities to have quality jobs that empower families to provide for their children and get ahead. The Obama administration’s determination to increase the role of government in our lives has done the opposite.”
Congressman Alan Nunnelee said the president has no regard for the Constitution.
“He actually highlighted his path to disregard the Constitution and circumvent congressional action to force his agenda through executive orders. The president may not take his oath to the Constitution seriously, but I do.”
Congressman Gregg Harper said the speech was an attempt to intimidate Congress.
“The president’s attempt to intimidate Congress by abusing executive power demonstrates a serious unwillingness to work with the coequal legislative branch of government. If the president is serious about helping people, he will swap his recycled campaign-style speeches for action on issues that create equal opportunity for success and self-reliance. Hard work has always been America’s formula for individual success.”
