WASHINGTON • It was nothing like his “in your face” State of the Union address.
Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer made that observation after President Barack Obama addressed House Republicans behind closed doors this afternoon and then took part in some give-and-take questioning.
It remained unclear to some in the GOP whether Obama was sincere about making concessions or whether his visits to Capitol Hill this week have roots in his falling poll numbers. He planned to lunch with Senate Republicans on Thursday and meet with House Democrats later.
The question of the president’s motivation came up the meeting this afternoon.
“There was discussion about whether this was really a sincere effort to try and reach out to us on issues or whether it’s just more politicking and more pandering to the press,” said Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth.
“He (Obama) kind of feigned an affront, but said he was sincere about his efforts and that he wants to work to solve problems.”
Referring to health and retirement programs, Luetkemeyer added: “He said, ‘look, I’m willing to take some heat from my side to get some stuff done’.”
Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Ballwin, described the meeting between Washington’s principle combatants was “respectful,” so much so that Republicans accorded the president standing ovations when he arrived and then when he departed.
She said he used the words “overlap” and “common ground” in describing his hopes for reaching agreement on shoring up entitlement programs, as well as on reforming immigration and strengthening cybersecurity protections.
“Maybe it’s just the show-me state in me, but actions speak louder than words,” she said.
Both St. Louis-area Republicans were disappointed that Obama told them that balancing the federal budget was not an immediate priority. But each said after the meeting they were hopeful of a budget accord in coming days with yet another deadline looming for a government shutdown,
“Obviously the proof is in the pudding and we’ll have to see how it all works out,” Leutkemeyer said. ” But it was a good first step for him to meet with us, good for us to hear from us personally and good for him to hear from us personally as well.”
Remarked Wagner: “It’s a shame when it’s so newsworthy when the president of the United States actually finds his way over to the Hill to sit down with both Democrats and Republicans.”
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