“Absolutely, we need earmark reform. And when I’m president, I will go line by line to make sure that we are not spending money unwisely.” – Barack Obama, presidential debate, 09/26/2008

Candidate Obama promised tough action on earmarks and wasteful spending.  In contrast, his attitude toward earmarks as President has been one of complete disinterest.

Facing criticism over the bloated omnibus bill being frantically championed by a swearing Nancy Pelosi, Obama’s lackeys have been completely dismissive of the idea that the President has any obligation to uphold his promise. Rahm Emanuel blithely declared it “last year’s business.” Peter Orszag, Obama’s OMB chief, used the exact same phrase and then went on to say, “We want to just move on. Let’s get this bill done, get it into law and move forward.”

There is clearly a coordinated campaign to dismiss criticism of the President’s backtracking on waste and earmarks.  Taxpayers for Common Sense estimates $7.7 billion from 8500+ in earmarks, though democrats have dishonestly put forth a lower estimate of $3.8 billion.  But whatever the exact figure is, it is clear that Obama thinks that, by portraying this as last year’s business that just needs to be passed without scrutiny, he can do on tough issues in Washington what he did in Chicago: vote present.