White House talks tough again on stimulus

[struggle4progress]

... PRESIDENT OBAMA'S FULL REMARKS ...

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN'S FULL REMARKS ...

... Because, folks, look, let's get this straight. We're given a great opportunity here. We've asked a lot of the American people, a great deal of the American people, in supporting this effort. And so this is a different deal. This is not your usual federal grant going to states. And I want to be blunt with you, off-script here: The fact of the matter is all that is legal is not acceptable. Let me say it again. Just because it may be legal, it is not acceptable ...

Let me point out one other thing. If we don't get this right, folks, this is the end of the opportunity to convince the Congress that anything should go to the states. Your state legislatures are struggling. Your governors are struggling. The members of the House and Senate are struggling. They don't want to take up one another's burden. Everyone in this room, I hope you are, in the best sense of the word, good politicians, as well as having very sharp pencils. So I hope you'll understand the dynamic at play here ...

Of this $8 billion investment, we'll start with an $800 million allocation right now, with the rest being made available once we get the detailed plans from states and local governments on how you will allocate the money, and give you time to -- you'll hear today how and what kind of plans you need to submit in order to be able to do that ...

Folks -- and then let me make one more comment. I really instruct your -- tell your governor -- I know you can't instruct your governors -- (laughter.) Tell your governors, literally, if they have a problem if they're confused, if you're confused about what needs to be done, literally pick up the phone and call me. Call me. I'm not -- that is not -- look, I've been -- I was a senator for 36 years in a state where I commuted every day and the only billboard ever used when I ran for office was "Joe." I'm used to -- I'm used to being accessible. I really mean it -- have your governors call me, and we'll get it straightened out, because we got to get it right ...

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/03/obama_talking_t.html