GOP leaders generally satisfied

GOP leaders generally satisfied with Obama discussion

By Tony Romm - 01/29/10 02:13 PM ET

House Republicans on Friday praised President Barack Obama for joining the caucus for a televised discussion, but leaders stressed it was up to Democrats in Congress to determine whether progress at that forum translates into reality.

After the president spoke at the House Republican Conference in Baltimore -- an hour-long affair during which Obama fielded GOP questions -- GOP Conference Chairman Mike Pence (R-Ind.) said he was pleased the "president finally acknowledged that House Republicans have offered positive alternatives over the past year."

House GOP Leader John Boehner (Ohio) subsequently agreed. While he later noted he thought the president "will carry through" on his promises to hold more meetings with the GOP caucus, he expressed concern that House Democratic leaders may not do the same.

"It was a candid conversation, and as you're well aware, we've been through a pretty difficult year," Boehner said at a press availability after the televised forum.

"I'm not going to exacerbate the problem that's already out there," he added, when reporters pressed him on whether the president's words would somehow translate into action. "I think today was a good first step in having more of a dialogue, and I hope it continues."

The president's meeting with House Republicans on Friday arrives at a time when the national political climate is growing increasingly partisan. Healthcare reform, economic recovery packages, financial regulatory reform, higher education bills and energy legislation all remained stalled in one or both chambers, in part because of serious disagreements between the two parties over how to best proceed.

Obama lambasted that reality during his speech and subsequently question-and-answer session, imploring lawmakers to abdicate politics and pursue sincere reform. At the conclusion of his remarks, GOP leaders said they agreed with that general theme, and they implored congressional Democrats to take heed in the president's words.

"This is not the way the Founders envisions the House working, so I hope we'll see more bipartisanship in the House," Boehner said.