Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10BUENOSAIRES80
2010-01-27 20:45:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Buenos Aires
Cable title:  

MEDIA REACTION: STATE OF THE UNION EXPECTED TO FOCUS ON

Tags:  OPRC KPAO KMDR PREL HA AR 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0002
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBU #0080/01 0272047
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O R 272045Z JAN 10
FM AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0382
INFO RHMCSUU/CDR USSOCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES
UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000080 

SIPDIS
STATE FOR INR/R/MR, I/GWHA, WHA, WHA/PDA, WHA/BSC, WHA/EPSC
CDR USSOCOM FOR J-2 IAD/LAMA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KPAO KMDR PREL HA AR
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: STATE OF THE UNION EXPECTED TO FOCUS ON
ECONOMIC ISSUES; 1/27/10; BUENOS AIRES

SUMMARY

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UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000080

SIPDIS
STATE FOR INR/R/MR, I/GWHA, WHA, WHA/PDA, WHA/BSC, WHA/EPSC
CDR USSOCOM FOR J-2 IAD/LAMA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KPAO KMDR PREL HA AR
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: STATE OF THE UNION EXPECTED TO FOCUS ON
ECONOMIC ISSUES; 1/27/10; BUENOS AIRES

SUMMARY

--------------




1. Argentine media expects President Obama's State of the Union
address to focus on domestic economic policies. Articles opine
that the Obama administration seeks to regain leadership and
increase support from middle-class and independent voters. The
press is anticipating important announcements, including
substantial budget cuts and tightened financial regulations. Media
also is reporting the U.S. will preserve current levels of health
care and military spending. End summary.



RECAPTURING THE MIDDLE-CLASS AND INDEPENDENT VOTES

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2. Argentina's second largest newspaper La Nacion expects
President Obama to deliver a "clear message" directed at the
"average American" and the "middle class." The daily-of-record
notes growing domestic pressure on the Obama administration, which
is significantly "losing popularity" and key support from
independent voters who showed their dissatisfaction by voting
against the Democratic candidate in the Massachusetts Senate
election. La Nacion also noted the increasingly influential "Tea
Party" movement that opposes many of the President's domestic
policies.


http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1 226327




3. Clarin reports that recent survey results showed many
Americans are "upset" with President Obama's failure to address
unemployment and the economy. The article adds that Obama is
seeking to go forward with a series of measures to "improve the
critical situation facing the middle-class."


http://www.clarin.com/diario/2010/01/27/elmun do/i-02127794.htm



BUDGET CHOPPING

--------------




4. Conservative financial daily Ambito Financiero says budget
cuts will only affect programs with flexible budgets. The
President will also announce measures to improve the efficiency of
existing government programs, as well as salary reductions for
government workers earning more than USD 100,000 yearly.



http://www.infobae.com/mundo/497560-601275-0- Obama-congelar%C3%A1-s
alarios-funcionarios-la-Casa-Blanca




5. La Nacion notes that "Obama faces a paradox, as he needs to
reach a balance between budget cuts and the satisfaction of social
goals." The newspaper's Washington correspondent expects this
balance to face significant opposition and require negotiations in
the Senate, where the Democrats just recently lost their "automatic
majority." Yet this could be made more difficult as reports
indicate that President Obama wishes to maintain current spending
levels on Homeland Security, defense, and health care. Nonetheless,
La Nacion quotes Deputy Director of the Office of Management and
Budget Rob Nabors commenting that main objectives of the
Administration "have not been modified," but that it will take
longer than expected to reach many goals.


http://www.lanacion.com.ar/nota.asp?nota_id=1 226327



6. Clarin is also highlighting the controversy over the
President's budget from both major political parties. Expressing
dismay over the budget, Republican Party National Chairman Michael
Steel states the budget cuts are "insufficient" and "too late."
The newspaper also notes that the conservative branches of the
Democratic Party have hailed the budget cuts, but nonetheless are
facing the opposition from most progressive sectors.


http://www.clarin.com/diario/2010/01/27/elmun do/i-02127794.htm





To see more Buenos Aires reporting, visit out classified website
at:


http://www.state.sqov.gov/p/wha/buenosaires
MARTINEZ