Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Biden defends stimulus plan
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
Biden defends stimulus plan
By BEN FELLER,Associated Press Writer AP - Friday, September 4
WASHINGTON - Defending a costly plan to revitalize the economy, Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday said the government's sweeping stimulus effort "is in fact working" despite steady Republican criticism and public skepticism.
ADVERTISEMENT
"The recovery act has played a significant role in changing the trajectory of our economy, and changing the conversation in this country," Biden said. "Instead of talking about the beginning of a depression, we are talking about the end of a recession."
Nearly 200 days into the effort, Biden delivered an upbeat report card about the $787 billion rescue effort that President Barack Obama pushed through Congress. He quoted estimates by private analysts that the plan has created or saved 500,000 to 750,000 jobs so far. But many millions remain out of work.
The effectiveness of the two-year program is a matter of sharp political debate, and Biden sought to counter critics with a listing of tangible results.
"One of the criticisms is that it is simply a grab bag of different programs," Biden said in a speech at The Brookings Institution. "But the fact that the recovery act is multifaceted doesn't reflect a lack of design, it is the design."
The stimulus package is a mix of tax cuts, increased spending on Medicaid and huge investments in infrastructure, education, energy projects and more.
The White House is eager to promote signs of progress as the economy lumbers out of recession. Many economists warn that the unemployment rate will keep rising until at least next summer, and it is that measure _ the loss or creation of jobs _ by which many Americans decide whether economic life is getting better.
The Republican Party criticized Biden's speech. "The Democrats' rhetoric on their economic experiment doesn't match with the reality of millions of Americans remaining unemployed," said Republican Party chief Michael Steele. "The stimulus was an economic experiment that failed Americans."
Obama's Council of Economic Advisers on Sept. 10 will report an updated projection of the number of jobs created or saved because of the stimulus plan. Biden said he expected it will back up his predictions of 150,000 jobs in the first 100 days and another 600,000 formed or saved over the second 100 days of the act.
Biden warned that the recovery will be uneven. But he said so far, the law is "doing more, faster, more efficiently, and more effectively than most expected."
The White House, though, has also admitted that its initial economic forecasts to sell the stimulus were too rosy. Many Republican leaders say the stimulus is not working nearly as well as the White House promotes, and at huge cost of debt to the nation.
With Obama on vacation at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland, the White House hopes Biden's message will break through.
A Gallup poll last month found 51 percent of Americans wished the government would have spent less to stimulate the economy. The same poll found 41 percent thought the stimulus package was helping the economy in the short term; 33 percent saw no effect, and 24 said it was making the economy worse.
The vice president's appearance is part of a concerted White House push in advance of the 200th day of the stimulus act on Saturday. Five top administration officials plan to speak about the law's benefits on Thursday in appearances in Arkansas, Virginia, Illinois, California and Minnesota.
Public approval of Obama's performance and of his handling of the economy have slipped. Polls now put both figures slightly above 50 percent.
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Sign in to recommend this article »
0 users recommend
Related Articles: World
Turkey to give Iraq, Syria more water amid droughtAP - Friday, September 4
Environmental groups sue to protect ribbon sealsAP - Friday, September 4
Mail carriers named for heroic, humanitarian actsAP - Friday, September 4
Police: Man lied to get into zoo movie set, fellAP - Friday, September 4
Athlete wrests gun from girl on Miss. school busAP - Friday, September 4
Most Popular – World
Viewed
BP unveils 'giant' oil discovery in Gulf of Mexico
First baby born from new egg-screening technique
Kidnapped US girl walks into police station 18 years on
Swine flu vaccine to cost up to 20 dollars per dose: WHO
British finance minister's recession warning
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Friday, 4 September 2009 Iraq accuses Syria of harboring armed groups
Outspoken Arctic Sea ship commentator flees Russia
US-TECH Summary
Chappaquiddick 'haunts me,' Kennedy said
Israeli team working to decipher ancient texts
Another blogger held in Vietnam: diplomat
French documentarian killed in El Salvador
EU leaders want binding G20 finance rules, sanctions
Millions in Australia lose international Internet link
US, Europe set to exit recession: OECD
Israel: pictures of St. Mary as terrorist removed
Iran's list of approved Cabinet ministers
Sprint to release Android phone in October
Iran's new key Cabinet ministers
Sprint backs Hero, the latest HTC Android phone
Building of new West Bank housing drops
Nokia seeking developers' help in Apple rivalry
Music videos return to YouTube after licensing deal
U.N.'s Ban raises alleged killings with Sri Lanka aide
| International
|
Virtual detectives stalk in-game spammers
Walkman outsells iPod in Japan: survey
Website says to carry bin Laden present to Muslims
| International
|
EU reveals probe into Oracle bid
Body handed over in Iraq confirmed as British hostage
| International
|
Nokia seeking developers' help in Apple rivalry
Walkman outsells iPod in Japan: survey
US cuts aid to Honduras in support of ex-leader
Security assigned to watch guards at Kabul embassy
Embracing social media, photo sites stay in the game
| Technology
|
Hundreds of feral animals found at California home
Australia open to military exercises with China: PM
Stray bullet kills student walking Atlanta campus
Biden defends stimulus plan
Parents held after lead poisoning protest in China: police
Biden: Obama health plan to be bold, contentious
Terror mastermind likely hiding in Java: Indonesia anti-terror chief
Schwarzenegger gets firsthand look at fire ruins
'Fresh protests' in China's Xinjiang
Del. dad pleads guilty in international kidnapping
CDC study: Swine flu deaths higher in older kids
Swiss, Chinese unveil new swine flu vaccines
Dealers should get 'Clunkers' money by Sept. 30
2 crashes in 1 day claim boy's grandfathers in Pa.
Japan wonders if new leaders have economic vision
NATO: 2 US service members killed in bomb attack
Syringe attacks spark new protest in Chinese city
Army: 11 killed in spate of violence in Thai south
Tensions brewing between Japan Inc. and new govt
Japan's Dainippon Sumitomo to buy US drugmaker Sepracor
Trade ministers put Doha deal in sight
Thai police push tax charges against Philip Morris
Study: Bigeye tuna stocks in Pacific under threat
Korea's KNHC bond to be sold at UST+265 bps -source
Happiness sequel revisits family misery
| Entertainment
|
Just a Minute With: Audrina Patridge on Sorority Row
| Entertainment
|
Fox business TV to simulcast Don Imus radio show
| Entertainment
|
Radiohead singer releasing solo single this month
| Entertainment
|
Fox Business Network to simulcast Imus
AP source: 'SNL' adds 2 performers for fall season
Artists protest Tel Aviv focus at Toronto film fest
| Entertainment
|
Carrie Underwood rushes new single to YouTube
| Entertainment
|
Madonna visits Jordan's Petra ruins
SAfricans target roots of anti-foreigner anger
Black Eyed Peas, Peal Jam shine on singles chart
| Entertainment
|
Tornatore in nostalgic mood with lengthy homage
| Entertainment
|
Indonesian quake leaves 57 dead, dozens missing
Spain forecasts 10 percent drop in foreign tourists
Madonna concert leaves Bulgaria facing pitch battle
No Impact Man charts U.S. couple's climate fight
| Entertainment
|
New novel, new movies in works for writer Sparks
`Life During Wartime' quasi-sequel to `Happiness'
Movie remake for McCarthy's bleak novel "The Road"
Top 15 programs on cable networks for Aug. 24-30
Not enough Facebook friends? Buy them
US must stay in Afghanistan to defeat Al-Qaeda: chiefs
Gangs are the heart of violent crime in Salvador, Central America
Google's China head to leave company: source
North Korea says in last stage of enriching uranium
| International
|
Poignant final farewell as Jackson laid to rest
Five years on, 334 balloons mark Beslan tragedy
Blast after Afghan air strike, scores feared killed
| International
|
Sony throws down the 3D gauntlet with new TV
Iran assembly approves most of hard-line Cabinet
Canada seeks to overturn South Africa refugee ruling
| International
|
Netanyahu to allow new Israeli settler homes: aide
| International
|
World heading for climate 'abyss': UN chief
EU's Barroso vows 'ambitious' Europe in new term
U.S. appeals court stays Microsoft Word injunction
Iraqi deputy minister arrested in corruption sting
Russia orders new search for journalist's killers
La Presse publisher threatens to close Quebec daily
ECB chief upbeat on economic recovery
Four dead in bomb blast at south Iraq mosque
Taiwan drops annual U.N. bid as China relations warm
| International
|
Apple iPod updates expected, Jobs show uncertain
Unrest flares in far-west Chinese city
| International
|
Iran gets first woman minister as MPs back Ahmadinejad list
Iraq PM asks for U.N. inquiry into Baghdad bombings
| International
|
Doubts raised as former leader gets key Japan role
| International
|
FTC urges privacy policy for Google books
Facebook members who buy 'friends' could be banished
Sprint, HTC to release Android phone in October
Hurricane Jimena kills one in northern Mexico
| International
|
Fire on Air India flight put out, passengers safe
| International
|
Sony throws down the 3D gauntlet with new TV
NKorea says in final stage of uranium enrichment
Dalai Lama says 'always ready to go back to Tibet'
Deadly Jimena claims first victim in Mexico
Apple iPod updates expected, Jobs show uncertain
| Technology
|
China seeks to quell unrest in far-west city
FTC urges privacy policy for Google books
| Technology
|
Indonesian quake kills 57, leaves dozens missing
Google's China head to leave company: source
| Technology
|
10,000 Chinese protest series of needle stabbings
Jaycee kidnapper raped 14-year-old in 1972: police
U.S. appeals court stays Microsoft Word injunction
| Technology
|
Spacewalk performed despite approaching space junk
North Korea says in final phase of uranium enrichment
Hawaii gov: Budget woes may prompt 'restructuring'
Zheng rallies to reach third round at US Open
Ancient skeleton found with gun under Mass. shed
LA blaze ruled arson, homicide probe launched
NKorea says at final phase of uranium enrichment: Yonhap
Feds: Calif. water crisis isn't Washington's fault
Philly basketball court shooting kills 1, wounds 1
G20 to debate tough action on bankers' bonuses
Taiwan dollar flat as exporter deals meet c.bank
S.Korean bonds steady before auction, rate vote
Japan wonders if new leaders have economic vision
Korea Hot Stocks
Seoul shares open up;muted reaction to N.Korea news
NZ new car registrations fall in August
Dainippon of Japan acquires US drug maker Sepracor
Bullock comedy "Steve" knows little about humor
Indonesia quake toll at 59, search ongoing
Michael Jackson laid to rest, surrounded by stars
| Entertainment
|
Telluride unveils festival films, Oscar looms
| Entertainment
|
Mourners gather for Michael Jackson funeral
Kimchi brings health and beauty, enthusiasts say
Berlusconi docu in spotlight at Venice fest
| Entertainment
|
Russell Crowe challenges columnist to bike duel
Bullock comedy Steve knows little about humor
| Entertainment
|
Just a Minute With: Audrina Patridge on Sorority Row
| Entertainment
|
Rapper gets 75 years for fatal NJ robbery
Judge questions whether Salinger harmed by spin-off
| Entertainment
|
It's a boy for Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs
Telluride unveils festival films, Oscar looms
Barrymore to host skating event in Detroit area
CORRECTED: Artists protest Tel Aviv focus at Toronto film fest
Camera turns on 'Videocrat' Berlusconi at Venice
Aides: Israel to build new houses in settlements
4 suicide bombers detained in Chechnya: official
IMF chief sees global recovery, urges exit strategies
Up to 90 killed as NATO hits Afghan fuel trucks
Nifty and stylish is aim at Berlin gizmo fair
Indonesia quake landslide attracts voyeurs
| International
|
Israel to approve hundreds of new settler homes
Iran leader helped secure backing for government: MP
| International
|
BP warned UK of risk in delayed Libya prisoner deal
| International
|
H1N1 has killed 2,837, but not more serious: WHO
| International
|
UNHCR urges China grant access to Myanmar refugees
| International
|
Nifty and stylish is aim at Berlin gizmo fair
| Technology
|
Samsung: LED TV sales to grow at least five fold in '10
| Technology
|
China police break up angry crowds near party HQ
Indonesian quake toll at 63, dozens still missing
Bomb in south Thailand kills policeman, wounds 12
Texas DNA exonerees find prosperity after prison
Philippines: Talks with communist rebels postponed
Indonesia quake landslide attracts voyeurs
Ex-POW hopes German cellar holds his pilot's wings
Thaksin supporters to mark Thai coup anniversary
North Korea says uranium program near completion
The Nation's Weather
Former soldier to be sentenced in rape, murders
Indonesia quake toll rises to 63, dozens missing
Guest: Many wept during Jackson's Calif. funeral
Japan's new leader backs fiscal regulation
Obama speech to students sparks new controversy
Health care lobbyists target returning Congress
NATO airstrike in Afghanistan kills up to 90
Kennedy's death impacts Wall Street reform effort
Rio Tinto suspends iron ore talks with China
US trade chief sees hope on global trade talks
Nicolas Cage plays unhinged cop in Bad Lieutenant
Cast and creators recall the birth of 'Avenue Q'
Warner Bros. poised to take summer box-office crown
| Entertainment
|
Philippine inflation down to 0.1 percent in August
Warner Bros. poised to take summer box-office crown
Stars, family honor Michael Jackson at funeral
Japan shares lower ahead of US employment data
China shares rise on rumors of IPO slowdown
S.Korea curbs home loans, rate rise looms
Kashmiris relishing drop in violence
Nicolas Cage plays unhinged cop in Bad Lieutenant
| Entertainment
|
Artists protest Tel Aviv focus at Toronto film fest
| Entertainment
|
Medi-dramas give patients 'unrealistic expectations'
Google China president steps down
Fitch may cut Taiwan rating over typhoon costs
Official: 115 die of malnutrition in Indonesia
Pakistani stocks close on year high; rupee weakens
Car-crazy Dubai gears up for first Gulf metro
Venice documentary attacks Berlusconi media empire
Welcome to Montreal Beach, new river surf capital
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights