WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama's strategy during the partial shutdown of the federal government is aimed at keeping up the appearance of a leader focused on the public's priorities while avoiding looking tone deaf to those forced off the job.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama's strategy during the partial shutdown of the federal government is aimed at keeping up the appearance of a leader focused on the public's priorities while avoiding looking tone deaf to those forced off the job.
Attend a black-tie gala? No. Meet with business leaders who oppose a government shutdown? Yes. Jet off to Asia for a four-country tour? Maybe, but shorten the trip and keep the option to cancel.
Obama's strategy is also aimed at maintaining what the White House sees as a political advantage over Republicans, with his events providing him a platform to blast House GOP lawmakers for opposing a Senate bill to keep the government running.
Republicans say that if Obama were serious about ending the shutdown, he would be negotiating a solution.