That, perhaps, is the worst of it. But if his entire statement is deconstructed, it also reveals some pretty remarkable insights into his world-view. Here's what he said:
"The private sector is doing fine. Where we’re seeing weaknesses in our economy, have to do with state and local government -- oftentimes, cuts initiated by governors or mayors who are not getting the kind of help that they have in the past from the federal government and who don’t have the same kind of flexibility as the federal government in dealing with fewer revenues coming in.”
Note the focus of his concern. It's government. The week of the Wisconsin recall -- where voters spoke pretty clearly! -- the President is concerned that there isn't enough big government on the state and local level. What's more, disturbingly, he apparently views government, not the private sector, as the engine of job creation and growth.
Then note his use of the world "flexibility." Remind you of anything? Yup, that's right . . .the "flexibility" he's going to have after his reelection to "negotiate" with the Russians. For the President, governing apparently is all about "flexibility" -- that is, the ruling class doing what it deems best in its superior and enlightened judgment. Your job, taxpayers, is to shut up and pay the bill.
“If Republicans want to be helpful, if they really want to move forward, and put people back to work, what they should be thinking about is, ‘How do we help state and local governments and how do we help the construction industry?’”
Mr. President, haven't we tried this already? You called it the "stimulus" -- and after taxpayers have paid as much as $4 million per job, and you've conceded that none of it was shovel-ready after all -- this is the best you've got?
Out-of-touch. Seriously out-of-touch. And out of ideas, too.