[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/12/05/art.obama2.gi.jpg caption=" The President-Elect insists there's only one President at a time."]
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
President-Elect Barack Obama isn't even in office yet and already members of his own party are whining. You'd think after the last eight years they would be so happy to have him on his way to the oval office that they would keep their mouths shut, but no.
Some Democrats, including House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank of Massachusetts, are complaining that they want a more assertive Barack Obama.
The President-Elect insists there's only one President at a time, although some say his numerous press conferences and public image suggest he's more presidential than the president.
Doesn't matter, members of his own party say he's not being aggressive enough when it comes to critical economic issues facing the country like the potential collapse of the auto industry and the mortgage meltdown.
President-Elect Obama called for an extension of unemployment benefits, which passed and has talked about a stimulus package before he takes office. He has also said he wants to help the auto industry. But apparently that's not enough for the whiners.
Here’s my question to you: Is President-Elect Obama being assertive enough when it comes to issues like the auto industry and the financial crisis?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Kim from Dodge City, Kansas writes:
The Congress is the one that needs to be assertive at this point. They each do their 5 minutes of grand standing at these hearings instead of actually formulating a plan or accounting for the money they have already handed out. Obama is playing by the rules, and that sets a better example than the Congress does.
Tom from Dubuque, Iowa writes:
No, we have a president in office; if that's what you want to call him. The GOP and the right wing pundits will "scream bloody murder" if he tries to interject his will at this point. If he does anything; he should tell Barney Frank to "shut up".
Donna from Kingston, Jamaica writes:
If he was any more assertive, Pres. Bush would have to be moved to an undisclosed location. Barney Frank and Chris Dodd can't handle change. Instead of the Dems in Congress doing their job and pressing Pres. Bush, they want Obama to baby sit them through passing the rescue of the auto makers and financial crisis.
Annie from Naples, Florida writes:
What do people expect? Eight years of unregulated favoritism for the rich and corporate entities. Frank should take a hike. He is a loudmouth blowhard like the rest of these come lately incompetents who sat silent and did nothing for the past 8 years either. I have to laugh. Obama has accomplished more in the past few weeks than Congress did in the last 2 years.
Jay from Brownwood, Texas writes:
President-elect Obama should just continue to state publicly what he will do when he takes office. He has plenty of work to do in getting things ready for that day without worrying about Barney Frank and others in Congress whining
Liz from Towson, Maryland writes:
How would his being assertive be effective? It's not like he can actually DO anything for 46 more days (but who's counting?). Just let the man select his Cabinet and THEN get to work.