In NPR interview, Obama says Republicans positioned to govern "responsibly"
- 9 years ago
In an exclusive interview with NPR, U.S. President Barack Obama says that when Republicans take change of both houses of Congress next year, it will offer the party a chance to govern.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:
"Now you've got Republicans in a position where it's not enough for them simply to grind the wheels of Congress to a halt and then blame me. They are going to be in a position in which they have to show that they can responsibly govern, given that they have significant majorities in both chambers."
NPR's Steve Inskeep makes the case for Republicans.
NPR'S STEVE INSKEEP SAYING:
"I think that if a Republican lawmaker was sitting here, he might say, 'Wait a minute. I'm not captive to nativist elements. I have actual concerns and you're not addressing them.'"
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:
"Well, the problem is what are those concerns and -- and how is it that I'm not addressing them
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:
"Now you've got Republicans in a position where it's not enough for them simply to grind the wheels of Congress to a halt and then blame me. They are going to be in a position in which they have to show that they can responsibly govern, given that they have significant majorities in both chambers."
NPR's Steve Inskeep makes the case for Republicans.
NPR'S STEVE INSKEEP SAYING:
"I think that if a Republican lawmaker was sitting here, he might say, 'Wait a minute. I'm not captive to nativist elements. I have actual concerns and you're not addressing them.'"
(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:
"Well, the problem is what are those concerns and -- and how is it that I'm not addressing them