- The Washington Times - Sunday, January 23, 2011

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Sunday that President Obama appears willing to ends the excessive spending that makes the United States look like a Western European nation and is now moving toward helping businesses grow and create jobs.

“He stopped bashing business and started celebrating it,” Mr. McConnell, Kentucky Republican, said on “Fox News Sunday.” “It’s about time. … I think excessive government spending, running up debt, making us look like a Western European country is the wrong direction.”

Mr. McConnell repeatedly said Mr. Obama appears to have “pivoted” toward a more centrist view on the economy and other high-priority issues. However, whether the president follows through on his own words remains to be seen, he said.

“Let’s see if he’s really willing to do it,” Mr. McConnell said, adding this will be a President Ronald Reagan “trust but verify” situation.

Mr. McConnell also criticized Democrats for plans to increase spending by calling such moves “investments” in the country.

The president reportedly is going to suggest in his State of the Union speech Tuesday night spending increases in such areas as education and research.

• Joseph Weber can be reached at jweber@washingtontimes.com.old.

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