Douglas Alexander: “there is one message we hear consistently from the people we represent in this country. It is: They would like for us to…”

“there is one message we hear consistently from the people we represent in this country. It is: They would like for us to change the way we do business in Washington, DC. They would like for us to come and focus our attention on big problems that affect everyday Americans--whether it is helping each American have health care insurance, whether it is keeping our jobs from going overseas, whether it is the $3 price of gasoline--and work together in a principled way to solve it. They do not mind our having big debates on big issues, about big principles such as liberty versus security or terrorism. What they do not like is the ``playpen'' politics, when we bring out the charts and hire the campaign strategists and degenerate into what ought to be in a kindergarten or in a political campaign. I am pleased to say this is a good way to begin the year the way that this has worked out, because the President and the House of Representatives deserve great credit for agreeing quickly on a timely, targeted proposal to help our economy be stimulated and move along.”