Obama: You Know, We Might Want To Start Thinking About Comprehensive Immigration Reform

I guess based on all his recent success in moving major, controversial bills through Congress he feels ready to take this on.

You may be surprised but Lindsey Graham is involved in the effort.

A Senior Administration Official tells Fox that President Obama will meet with Senators Chuck Schumer and Lindsey Graham on Monday as part of a "process to explore bipartisan ideas" on comprehensive immigration reform so the president "can get a sense" of the possibilities of moving legislation this year.

Considering that immigration isn't exactly a front burner issue for most people, this is clearly an effort to get the Democratic base, especially Hispanic voters, energized. After a year of issues that unite Republicans and divide Democrats (Cap and Trade, Health Care, Afghanistan, etc.), the White House must desperately want to put something on the table that divides Republicans for a change. Yes, there are some members of the Democratic coalition that oppose immigration reform, though labor has come along recently, but it's still a more divisive issue for Republicans and conservatives.

Obama's been promising or, depending on your outlook, threatening, this since taking office. I think he's bluffing but he's going to try and get some mileage out of it in the process. I'm not sure if that's covered by 'Hope' or 'Change' but there you have it.

posted by DrewM. at 05:18 PM

| Access Comments