Shutdown 'would not damage Barack Obama'

Published on Friday 8 April 2011 15:42

PRESIDENT Barack Obama's handling of the budget crisis may ultimately bolster his bid for re-election.

The president has positioned himself above the partisan squabbling in Washington, acting as an increasingly frustrated mediator between Republican and Democrat leaders.

Political analysts have suggested the stance may serve Mr Obama well, rehabilitating his status as a national healer rather than being seen as a divisive force.

The impasse also has the potential to be more damaging for his Republican opponents.

The last government shutdown took place in the mid-1990s, when president Bill Clinton squared up to and defeated then Republican House speaker, Newt Gingrich.

Bill Galston, a former policy adviser to Mr Clinton, said Mr Obama has "deliberately positioned himself above the fray. It represents a very deliberate early effort to return to the kind of candidate that made him popular with moderates in 2008".

He added: "It won't be a great political win, but he won't be damaged by a shutdown."

The Republican leadership is in tough position, he said. If they are perceived to be responsible for the shutdown, they will alienate independent voters.

Compromise would be opposed by so-called tea party activists, an influential right-wing grassroots movement.