Koch: Obama's Problem Substance, Not Style

Wednesday, 03 Nov 2010 10:42 PM

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While President Barack Obama has acted as if his main problem during the past two years was inadequate communication, Newsmax contributor Ed Koch says it runs deeper than that.

“It wasn’t a question of communications,” the former New York City mayor tells Newsmax.TV. “I think it was the legislation.”

The best example is the new healthcare law, he says. “It’s not supported by a majority of Americans. I support the concept, but I’m not happy with it.” Koch’s own health insurance premium soared 43 percent this year. “That kind of situation has caused the American public to rise up in its wrath.”


Nov. 3rd, 2010 - President Barack Obama ‘absolutely’ should change his policies in the wake of dramatic Democratic midterm election losses, says former New York City Mayor Ed Koch. Obama will have no choice but to reach out to Republicans, says Koch, a Newsmax contributor.

The president needs to change his policies, Koch says. “I expect he will now reach out to Republicans. It will be a matter of negotiation. If the president wants to get something done, he will have to negotiate with the Republicans.”

On the issue of the Bush-era tax cuts, “I believe the president is right and wrong in his views,” Koch says. Obama is correct to end the cuts for wealthy Americans. “Everybody should do something” to help shrink the budget deficit, he says.

But Koch believes it should be families with annual income above $350,000 losing the tax relief, rather than those with income above $250,000, as Obama has proposed.

“If you want people who are now receiving Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security to accept reductions, which is what this country needs, then the rich have to do their job too,” Koch says. “Everyone has to pitch in.”

As for the next presidential election, Koch says New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie would make a superb Republican candidate. “He’s perceived quite correctly as a poster boy for governors today, showing remarkable courage and success,” Koch says. “It’s very likely he will be one of top two or three contenders for the nomination.”

While Koch says he would prefer to endorse a Democrat like the late Washington Sen. Scoop Jackson, he doesn’t rule out endorsing Christie. “But I don’t at this moment plan on doing it.”

On the Democratic side, Koch doesn’t see Secretary of State Hillary Clinton running again. “She’s of the old school, loyal,” he says. “If the president does get a challenge it will be from the radical left wing.”

But Koch believes Obama will be the Democratic candidate. “He has a chance of getting re-elected if he pulls in his horns and engages in bona fide negotiations and seeks partnership with Republicans on legislation.”
Koch: Obama's Problem Substance, Not Style