By Eugene T. Lowe
July 2, 2012

A second discussion of political strategists was held June 14, during the luncheon plenary honoring City Livability award winners, to discuss today's hot political issues. Roll Call Editor and Chief Scott Montgomery served as moderator and was joined by two panelists: Political Strategist Donna Brazile and Romney for President Campaign Senior Advisor Kevin Madden.

Montgomery's questions were wide ranging as he sought to draw clear distinctions in the presidential campaigns in 2012. His first question centered around President Obama's recent statement: "The private sector is doing fine." Madden said, "People don't feel the private sector is doing fine." He said further that if more government jobs were created, we would still be in trouble because the problem is that we need fundamental systemic growth. Brazile said that the President gave the Republicans a talking point for a weekend. The truth, she said, some things are working and jobs are coming back. Brazile said there is nothing wrong with trying to create a brighter outlook.

As for the low approval rating of Congress and with both houses looking incapable and the number of bills such as the transportation and farm bills now stuck, Madden said that President Obama had the opportunity to work in a bipartisan manner at the beginning of his Administration, especially as he expressed a centrist message, but quickly had trouble with practice. "He was really not interested in bipartisanship", Madden said. Candidates, according to Madden can have an impact on Congress during the election campaign through public sentiment. Brazile countered by saying, "The news is not all bad." Bills have been passed such as the extended payroll tax, unemployment compensation, small business access to capital legislation, and Export/Import legislation. Moreover, the defense authorization bill and student loans bill are on track for approval. Brazile said that Congress must work to pass the farm bill and transportation bills. She said Congress could possibly pass the farm bill because there is $23 billion in deficit reduction. But because of its importance, the bulk of congressional focus should be on the transportation bill. With only 40 legislative days left from now to November, Congress needs to get these bills done and focus on jobs.