Connie Lawn From Obama's Press Conference

Connie Lawn Attended President Obama's Formal News Conference, the day after seismic elections.

November 4, 2010

President Obama and many other Democrats took it on the chin during the Mid Term elections. At his news conference, the President admitted he "took a shellacking." He noted Presidents Reagan and Bill Clinton also suffered major loses two years into a Presidency, and went onto win a second term two years later. Still, he said he does not recommend the experience.! He said the losses made him "feel lousy," especially for those who had supported his programs He called the defeats "humbling" and admitted he had gotten little sleep, as he waited for results.

In the morning he placed calls to some of the winning and losing Congressional leaders. He said he shares the frustration with the majority of Americans, who need jobs, and a better economy. He offered to work together. But he did not positively embrace their message of smaller government, fewer regulations, and lower taxes. In fact, he hinted about trying to get more programs through during the lame duck session of Congress. The old Congress, with the defeated lawmakers, stays in until January. The President anticipated a high level military report in December on the "don't ask, don't tell" Policy which affects gays in the military. He has said he wants it changed in an orderly manner.

President Obama devoted most of the news conference to the elections, which put the House of Representatives into Republican hands. The Republicans will control the Speakers Office and the powerful committees. If John Boehner becomes the Speaker, he is in line to become US President, if anything happens to the President and Vice President. Republicans also made major gains in the Senate, and some won Governorships. Some of the winners were backed by the ultra Conservative Tea Party, which was formed 18 months ago Their candidates - backed by Sarah Palin - are now in a very powerful position. But the Tea Party lost two major races, in Nevada and Delaware. Nevada Senator Harrry Reid is expected to keep his position as the Senate Majority leader.

So, in two years, the Democrats have shifted from their major power base to a player in a divided government. President Obama is much weaker than he was before. But, if the Conservatives cannot produce jobs and improve the economy, they could be out in two years.

In the meantime, President Obama heads for Asia, where he tries to boost American exports in the upcoming series of financial meetings. Earlier, he had indicated to Hillary Clinton, she was better off far away from the ruckus!

Connie Lawn, for Scoop, inside the East Room of the White House

© Scoop Media