It has happened again. The story is after the fold.
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama today scrapped his administration's controversial plan, bowing to the demands of congressional Republicans. The controversial plan had been criticized by business groups and the tea party, as well as conservative Democrats in his own party.
The announcement came shortly after the release of economic news. The withdrawal of the plan marks the latest in a string of retreats by Obama in the face of Republican opposition.
A spokesman for a member of the Republican leadership credited the President for being reasonable, yet acknowledge that more needed to be done.
"President Obama acted in a bipartisan manner by removing his job-killing plan", said the spokesperson. "Yet much more work needs to be done in this field, and we look forward to working with the President to address these issues."
Criticism from Obama's base has followed the withdrawal of the plan. A coalition of progressive groups have released this statement:
"The thousands who campaigned, volunteered, and donated to Barack Obama's campaign did so in the belief that he would fight for this plan, but yet again we are finding Obama buckling down in the face of Republican opposition. This is a huge win for the select few who will benefit from the withdrawal of the plan, and a huge loss for everyone else."
The coalition reiterated their general support of the Obama administration.
President Obama acknowledged the disappointment of progressive groups following the withdrawal of the plan, but insisted this withdrawal is not indicative of a general movement away from their goals.
"I will continue to stand with my colleagues to fight the special interests who try to practice politics as usual, and salute those who have gotten us as far as we have in this fight. There is still much work to be done," he said in a written statement.
President Obama had expressed support for the plan in the 2008 campaign, yet ran into opposition in early 2009. With the switch of the House to the Republicans, the plan had little chance of passing. While other techniques had been discussed, the White House has effectively written them off.
Strategists say this move is indicative of a general move to the center, intended to pick up independent voters.