WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama challenged the nation’s vested interests to a legislative duel Saturday, saying he will fight to change health care, energy and education in dramatic ways that will upset the status quo.
“The system we have now might work for the powerful and well- connected interests that have run Washington for far too long,” Obama said in his weekly radio and video address. “But I don’t. I work for the American people.”
He said the ambitious budget plan he presented Thursday will help millions of people — but only if Congress overcomes resistance from deep-pocketed lobbies.
“I know these steps won’t sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they’re gearing up for a fight,” Obama said, using tough-guy language reminiscent of his predecessor, George W. Bush. “My message to them is this: So am I.”
The bring-it-on tone underscored Obama’s combative side as he prepares for a drawn-out battle over his tax and spending plans. Sometimes he uses more conciliatory language and stresses bipartisanship.
On Saturday, he was a full-throated populist, casting himself as the people’s champion confronting special interest groups that care more about themselves and the wealthy than about the average American.
“I know that banks and big student lenders won’t like the idea that we’re ending their huge taxpayer subsidies, but that’s how we’ll save taxpayers nearly $50 billion and make college more affordable,” he said. “I know that oil and gas companies won’t like us ending nearly $30 billion in tax breaks, but that’s how we’ll help fund a renewable energy economy.”
Republicans continued to bash Obama’s proposals and his projection of a $1.75 trillion deficit this year. Almost every day brings another “multibillion-dollar government spending plan being proposed or, even worse, passed,” said Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C.
