President Barack Obama made an unusual visit to congressional Republicans to rally support for his $825 billion economic stimulus package, as the Democrat followed up on his campaign promise to try to break down partisan divisions.
The House of Representatives is to vote on the measure today, and Democrats hold sufficient majorities in both chambers to pass the bill regardless of how Republicans vote.
But Obama's decision to meet with opposition lawmakers on their Capitol Hill home turf yesterday is symbolic of his desire for bipartisan backing for the plan, and working with Republicans helps to protect his image as a different kind of politician and President.
"The American people expect action," Obama said as he shuttled between closed-door meetings.
Republicans who attended the sessions later said the President did not agree to any specific changes but did pledge to have his aides consider some points that Republican lawmakers raised dealing with additional tax relief for businesses.
House Republican leaders welcomed the Democratic President a few hours after urging their rank-and-file to oppose the stimulus Bill, and it was far from clear that Obama had managed to pick up any actual support during the day.
Republicans are trying to regroup after last fall's elections, in which they lost the White House as well as seats in both houses of Congress.
"I think we both share a sincere belief that we have to have a plan that works," House Republican leader John Boehner said after meeting with Obama. "The President is sincere in wanting to work with us, wanting to here our ideas and find some common ground."
