Md. Politicians Offer President Advice On Jobs, Economy
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- In a few weeks, President Barack Obama will lay out a new plan to jump-start the economy.
He's not only trying to create jobs, he's also trying to shore up support for his re-election. Sunday, two Maryland politicians offered him some advice.
Adam May has more.
One year until the next election, and President Obama's approval rating hits a record low.
"I'm the President of the United States, and when people aren't happy with what's happening in Washington, I'm going to be impacted just like Congress is. And you know, I completely understand that," he said.
Speaking to CBS News, the President says he does not think the country is in danger of a second recession. Obama plans to unveil a new jobs and economic growth plan after Labor Day.
"We've got a very, very sharp debate here," said David Axelrod, political advisor to the President. "And the question is, are we going to take steps in the short run to help stimulate this economy, to help create jobs, to help create growth?"
On CNN, Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings said the president needs to re-engage his base.
"Forty miles from here in Baltimore, we've probably got black male unemployment up 40 percent," Cummings said. "He needs to hear that. When he came in, he talked about hope, about jobs, about fairness and about addressing Wall Street becoming effective and efficient," he said. "He's got to go back to those basic points."
"I think what he has to do is have that adult conversation with all of us Americans," Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley said. "We're all smart enough to know there are big changes happening in our economy."
Also on CNN, Gov. O'Malley said he hopes the President's new plan includes investments in infrastructure and education.
"For a modern economy to create jobs, a modern economy requires investments," he said.
Obama will also push for extending payroll tax cuts and unemployment benefits.
