In both 2301and 2302 - later in the semester - we discuss the concept of "going public" where a president, sensing an opportunity, takes a message directly to people, over the heads of Congress. If the president is more popular than Congress - and as low as his ratings are at the moment, Congress' are much lower - he can rally the public behind his proposals,
That's probably the logic underlying today's jobs speech. It may have also served to kick off his re-election campaign. Its probably not a coincidence that he gave this the day after a Republican debate. He probably hoped that he would appear favorable in comparison. Poll results should let us know whether the strategy was successful.
This is the political background of the speech.
There is also the practical question whether any of the proposals made will actually have an impact on jobs, and if they do, if the costs associated with those programs justify the expense. I'll post a few items related to how we figure that question out (do tax cuts or infrastructure projects really stimulate jobs? etc...)
And there is the question whether his proposals are politically feasible in an environment that is politically hostile to him. Republicans are normally not receptive to his proposals in general (think: Obamacare), but again, their poll numbers are lower than Obama's so they are as worried about their jobs as is the president.
Some links for further background:
- The transcript of the speech.
- The American Jobs Act.
- A compilation of reactions. (and more reactions)
