Former President Barack Obama cautioned freshman Democrats to look at the costs of their wide-ranging liberal legislative proposals and figure out how to pay for them, The Washington Post is reporting.
Speaking to a group of freshman House Democrats on Monday evening, Obama did not mention specific proposals, while encouraging them to pursue “bold” ideas.
“He said we shouldn’t be afraid of big, bold ideas — but also need to think in the nitty-gritty about how those big, bold ideas will work and how you pay for them,” said one person.
The newspaper reported that some in those hearing Obama’s words believed he was sounding a cautionary note about Medicare-for-all and the Green New Deal – two ideas being pushed by some of the lawmakers, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
Those who attended the gathering told the Post that Obama’s comments on costs were not made as a scolding. They said Obama stressed voters care about costs and Democrats should be prepared to explain them.
The Post noted Obama has shunned the spotlight since he left office. And those who heard his remarks said he made few if any concerning President Donald Trump or the completed investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller.
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