Barbara Boxer: “I was astounded to see some of the recent news coming out on the economic front, the gap between the middle class and…”

“I was astounded to see some of the recent news coming out on the economic front, the gap between the middle class and the wealthy, the gap between the rich and the poor, the fact we see in many categories the worst economy in 50 long years in terms of jobs lost in the private sector, in terms of the sluggish growth of the GDP, the number of foreclosures. It is stunning. One has to be concerned that this administration is giving this no attention whatsoever, which was my friend's point. We look at a President who is spending half his time on foreign policy; that is fine. This Congress is going to help in that area because we have a lot of ideas on how to meet the threat Iraq poses. On our side of the aisle, there will be different opinions on how to meet that threat, which will show the strength of our democracy, and that this party is, in fact, a broad umbrella, which is healthy in the long run for the country. The other half of the time seems to be spent on the road campaigning. I agree with my friend. Given the economic statistics--the stock market, we are looking at maybe a $4, $5 trillion loss, the worst in 50 years, and the fact pensions are down--does my friend believe we ought to perhaps come up with something specific to ask the President? For example, he keeps calling us to talk about foreign policy. Why doesn't he call us to the White House to talk about this economy, to get the best ideas of Republican Presidents and Democratic Presidents? This isn't partisan.…”