Free Republic

Obama's Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack: "Well, obviously, it's putting people to work. Which is why we're going to have some interesting things in the course of the forum this morning. Later this morning, we're going have a press conference with Secretary Mavis and Secretary Chu to announce something that's never happened in this country -- something that we think is exciting in terms of job growth. I should point out, when you talk about the SNAP program or the foot stamp program, you have to recognize that it's also an economic stimulus. Every dollar of SNAP benefits generates $1.84...

Accusing House Republicans of walking away from deficit negotiations “after insisting that the budget be balanced on the backs of seniors and the middle class,” White House press secretary Jay Carney issued a statement embracing the deficit reduction approach of Harry Reid, D-Nev., which he calls “a responsible compromise that cuts spending in a way that protects critical investments and does not harm the economic recovery.” Earlier today President Obama spoke to the National Council of La Raza saying “we can’t just close our deficits by cutting spending. … Not only is it not fair if all of this is...

The International Monetary Fund warned on Monday the United States must raise the debt ceiling quickly and get its debts under control for the sake of the global economy. The IMF's urging came as part of a review of U.S. economic prospects in which it concluded a slow-paced recovery can continue with some fiscal tightening but stressed that public debts were a concern. "Directors (on the IMF board) highlighted the urgency of raising the federal debt ceiling and agreeing on the specifics of a comprehensive medium-term consolidation program," the IMF said as efforts continued between the Obama administration and lawmakers.

Forecasts predict no economic improvement in 2011 The only thing dropping faster than President Obama’s poll numbers is America’s economic future. Only one in five believe the country is headed in the right direction, according to a Rasmussen Reports survey released Thursday. More than half of those responding to Gallup’s queries believe we are either in a recession or depression. The grim mood reflects growing disenchantment with administration policies that have sucked the life out of the economy. Reports piled up yesterday casting further doubt on the prospects for recovery. Just as many people stood in line last week to...