President Obama's first 100 days

[The Truth]

Why should I believe any poll involving NBC news? If this poll reflected reality among Americans, then how come they are not spending yet? Why are so many people scared? NBC news is a propaganda network for Obantu so I take anything they put out with a grain of salt. Bantunomics don't work, end of story!!

 

[Susuviri]

Why should I believe any poll involving NBC news? If this poll reflected reality among Americans, then how come they are not spending yet? Why are so many people scared? NBC news is a propaganda network for Obantu so I take anything they put out with a grain of salt. Bantunomics don't work, end of story!!

So you don't believe any media outlet that has anything positive to say about Obama? Interesting.... R usaying Wall street Journal is also in the cahoots with Obama White House? Wow! You have some serious issues!

 

[The Truth]

So you don't believe any media outlet that has anything positive to say about Obama? Interesting.... R usaying Wall street Journal is also in the cahoots with Obama White House? Wow! You have some serious issues!

Don't put words in my posts. I am talking about NBC News here. Stay with me. Even if Wall Street Journal isn't in the tank for Obantu, the fact that NBC News was involved in this poll does not pass the smell test for me. Again answer my question, why aren't people spending if they have confidence in Obantu and his Bantunomics?

 

[Koba]

don't put words in my posts. I am talking about nbc news here. Stay with me. Even if wall street journal isn't in the tank for obantu, the fact that nbc news was involved in this poll does not pass the smell test for me. Again answer my question, why aren't people spending if they have confidence in obantu and his bantunomics?

...i-d-i-o-t!

 

[The Truth]

So, we were told Obantu will help change America's image around the world. Well it turns out that is not entirely true. First, he snubs the British prime minister which I am sure has upset many Brits

The snub heard around the world – especially in London
06 March, 2009, 12:06

This week, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown was the first world leader to meet with US President Barack Obama in Washington. But the only thing the British media is talking about is how poor Gordon Brown was maltreated.

Despite Barack Obama's eloquent elocution, ivy school credentials and electric charisma, there is talk that he lacks the most crucial element of any great leader: judgment. And that single personality flaw, if it does in fact exist, seemed apparent during Gordon Brown's trip to Washington to discuss ways to tackle the worsening global economic crisis.

Snub Number 1: On the eve of UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown's inaugural visit to Washington to meet America's African-American wunderkind, Barack Obama, White House staffers decided it the perfect moment to send back a bust of Winston Churchill to the British embassy, a gift from former PM Tony Blair that had adorned the Oval Office since the Sept. 11 attacks.

Some speculate that the Obamas (Michele is already figuring high in any decision that Barack makes) returned the dusty bust precisely because it was Churchill who, in 1952, ordered a crackdown on the Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule in Kenya, Obama's ancestral birthplace. Others say that Obama was sending a clear message that his administration would no longer follow the past Bush-Blair model of US-UK partnership, which centered heavily on the war on terror. Still others say that the Obamas simply did not like the bust.

Snub Number 2: Despite the fact that Gordon Brown had become the first European leader to set foot in Washington (a very big deal for the Europeans, it seems), the Obamas failed to have Mr. Brown and his wife Sarah over for a White House dinner. Such formal receptions, especially considering that Gordon Brown represents America's staunchest ally, is simply diplomatic protocol. Has the financial crisis become so bad that the White House could not afford a casserole? It's the thought that counts, after all. I am half-tempted to believe that this incredible oversight is a very bad omen for Obama's future relations with European leaders. Mr. Brown had to settle for a "working lunch" at the White House instead.

Snub Number 3: No joint press conference. Although few politicians truly relish having to address the media, it seems that this was not one of those occasions. The British prime minister fought hard to be first in Washington amongst his European counterparts (it is no small accomplishment that he even managed to visit Obama before the globetrotting French president, Nicolas Sarkozy), so common sense says that he would want as much exposure from his trip as possible. After all, the meeting was centered on how to escape from the global economic quagmire, so good politics dictated that Brown play up his trip. After the joint press conference in the Rose Garden was cancelled due to "snow," the leaders fielded reporters' questions in a taped session (known as "pool spray") in the Oval Office.

The underlining sense of disappointment and surprise is latent in this article from the Financial Times: "A joint full-scale press conference for President Obama and Gordon Brown has been cancelled. Apparently the Rose Garden, where they could have met with the press, is blanketed with snow. But no reason was given as to why a press conference couldn't happen inside the White House. Instead… a half-hour meeting in the Oval Office will be preceded by… a few shouted questions from pool reporters during a photo-opportunity with no substantive discussion." Strange.

Snub Number 4: The final royal snub came at the hands of the US media itself. According to Mail Online, "Brown's make-or-break trip to America has dominated headlines at home – but barely registered in the States. Although most major publications have covered his visit, few have given it any editorial prominence."

ABCNews was accused of giving Mr. Brown "less prominence today than it did a story about a sleepwalking dog that walked into a wall."

However, not all was a loss for Gordon Brown, who addressed the US Congress over the economic crisis.

At one point in the speech, Brown declared triumphantly: "Alliances can wither or be destroyed, but partnerships of purposes are indestructible. Friendships can be shaken, but our friendship is unshakable. Treaties can be broken, but our partnership is unbreakable. And I know there is no power on earth that can drive us apart…"

A state dinner at the White House would have wonderfully complemented such fine words. But unfortunately, the Obama administration was sleepwalking through Brown's visit. Hopefully, this is not a sign of things to come.

Robert Bridge, RT

The snub heard around the world – especially in London | Politics | RT

 

[The Truth]

Also Iran is not happy, so how is Obantu changing America's image so far?

TEHRAN - Iran's supreme leader said Wednesday that President Obama was on the same "wrong path" as the Bush administration, deflating hopes for an easing of tensions with the United States.

Hours later, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton accused Iran's government of seeking to "intimidate as far as they think their voice can reach."

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made the comments about Obama as he condemned Obama's "unconditional" support of Israel. He called the Jewish state a "cancerous tumor" that is on the verge of collapse and said Israel's leaders should be put on trial for its military offensive in Gaza, which ended with a shaky cease-fire in mid-January.

Obama has said his administration is looking for opportunities to engage Iran to help reduce tensions between the two countries that increased during President Bush's time in office.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is less powerful than Khamenei, has said Iran would welcome talks with the United States - but only if there was mutual respect.

On Wednesday, Ahmadinejad urged the United States to change its "satanic" ways if it is serious about wanting change.

"Change means giving up your satanic, coercive and aggressive ways and instead adopting more human morals. … If you accept this invitation, it will be to the benefit of yourself and your nation," Ahmadinejad told a crowd in northwestern Iran. He did not mention Obama by name.

The U.S. government has called for Iran to halt its nuclear program and stop supporting armed Shiite groups in Iraq and Middle East terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah. The Iranian government insists its nuclear program is designed solely for civilian energy production.

In remarks to reporters aboard her plane following a trip to the Middle East, Clinton said that in her talks with Arab foreign ministers and other leaders she heard "over and over and over again" a deep-seated worry about threats posed by the Iranians.

"It is clear that Iran intends to interfere with the internal affairs of all of these people and try to continue their efforts to fund terrorism, whether it's Hezbollah or Hamas or other proxies," Clinton said.

She reiterated that Obama stands ready to engage in talks with Iran, with which Washington severed diplomatic relations after Iran's Islamic revolution three decades ago. "But we want to make sure it's constructive," Clinton said.

She offered her strongest criticism of Iran when asked about U.S. plans for building a missile-defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic. Clinton focused on the administration's assertion that the European missile-defense system is not aimed at Russia but is necessary to deter Iran.

"Missiles not only with a nuclear warhead but a conventional warhead or some other chemical, biological weapon could very well be in the hands of a regime like Iran's, which we know will use whatever advantage they have to intimidate as far as they think their voice can reach, and who are actively pursuing a missile" program, she said.

Source:

http://www.usatoday.com/printedition...a05_st.art.htm

 

[Nyambala]

So, we were told Obantu will help change America's image around the world. Well it turns out that is not entirely true. First, he snubs the British prime minister which I am sure has upset many Brits



The snub heard around the world – especially in London | Politics | RT

It seems you are busy looking for anything that goes negative with BHO. My friend get over it is done and sealed. Of all the media houses can you really refer something from Russia today??????? Well all of a sudden you are now with the socialists!!!!!!!!!

 

[Nyambala]

How many brits watch RT anyways????????

 

[Nyambala]

Did you read this one which is just above of your so called "snub article"?????????


‘Russia and US want to see willingness to talk from each other'
06 March, 2009, 19:18

The problem with the Bush's administration was that it was unwilling to discuss issues important to Russia, but under Obama it's different, says Fyodor Lukyanov, editor in chief of Russia in Global Affairs

 

[Susuviri]

Did you read this one which is just above of your so called "snub article"?????????


‘Russia and US want to see willingness to talk from each other’
06 March, 2009, 19:18

The problem with the Bush’s administration was that it was unwilling to discuss issues important to Russia, but under Obama it’s different, says Fyodor Lukyanov, editor in chief of Russia in Global Affairs

Nyambala huyu Ukweli ni kheri umwone tu kama Masanja wa ze komedi vignignevyo utaumiza tu kichwa!

 

[Nyani Ngabu]

Susu vipi mbona Gupta kajitoa? Na yeye hajalipa kodi nini?

 

[The Truth]

Nyambala,

The Obama snub stories are all over the British media too. In fact the article I posted referred to the British media with regards to Obantu snub. Do you not believe what was written in the article I posted?

 

[Susuviri]

Susu vipi mbona Gupta kajitoa? Na yeye hajalipa kodi nini?

Sijui my friend, labda besti fliendi wako Ze Ukweli anaweza kukusaidia akueleza Indian American 'mwenzake' kajitoa sababu gani? Naona mwaka huu waatuona mbaya Indian Americans hasa baada ya Jindal kuwaumbua hivyo na Gupta kujitoa.
Lakini Gupta nadhani itakuwa pia kazi zake za uandishi kumbuka amekuwa sponsored na makampuni mbalimbali hivyo hiyo nayo inachangia.

 

[The Truth]

It appears the Brits are fumed about the treatment of their Prime Minister by Obantu. Their anger is justified in this case....

President Barack Obama just plain rude to Britain. Don't call us in future.
Posted By: Iain Martin at Mar 4, 2009 at 09:41:53 [General]
Posted in: Politics , Three Line Whip , Eagle Eye
Tags:america, Barack Obama, Britain, Gordon Brown, Special relationship

Why couldn't President Obama have put on more of a show for his British guests? He looked like he simply couldn't be bothered.

Number 10 may be content that they just about got away with the visit to the Oval Office yesterday, as Andrew Porter reports from Washington.

But on this side of the Atlantic the whole business looked pretty demeaning. The morning papers and TV last night featured plenty of comment focused on the White House's very odd and, frankly, exceptionally rude treatment of a British PM. Squeezing in a meeting, denying him a full press conference with flags etc. The British press corps, left outside for an hour in the cold, can take it and their privations are of limited concern to the public.

But Obama's merely warmish words (one of our closest allies, said with little sincerity or passion) left a bitter taste with this Atlanticist. Especially after his team had made Number 10 beg for a mini press conference and then not even offered the PM lunch.

We get the point, sunshine: we're just one of many allies and you want fancy new friends. Well, the next time you need something doing, something which impinges on your national security, then try calling the French, or the Japanese, or best of all the Germans. The French will be able to offer you first rate support from their catering corps but beyond that you'll be on your own.

When it comes to men, munitions and commitment you'll soon find out why it pays to at least treat the Brits with some manners.

Source:

Whoops! Browser Settings Incompatible

 

[The Truth]

So apparently Obantu was too tired to welcome Gordon Brown...??. He is not too tired for lavish parties he has every week. He is not too tired to work out in the gym every day. Obantu is not ready for the office.

Barack Obama 'too tired' to give proper welcome to Gordon Brown
Barack Obama's offhand approach to Gordon Brown's Washington visit last week came about because the president was facing exhaustion over America's economic crisis and is unable to focus on foreign affairs, the Sunday Telegraph has been told.

By Tim Shipman in Washington
Last Updated: 10:03PM GMT 07 Mar 2009

President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown walk down the Colonnade of the White House in Washington, Photo: AP
Sources close to the White House say Mr Obama and his staff have been "overwhelmed" by the economic meltdown and have voiced concerns that the new president is not getting enough rest.

British officials, meanwhile, admit that the White House and US State Department staff were utterly bemused by complaints that the Prime Minister should have been granted full-blown press conference and a formal dinner, as has been customary. They concede that Obama aides seemed unfamiliar with the expectations that surround a major visit by a British prime minister.

But Washington figures with access to Mr Obama's inner circle explained the slight by saying that those high up in the administration have had little time to deal with international matters, let alone the diplomatic niceties of the special relationship.

Allies of Mr Obama say his weary appearance in the Oval Office with Mr Brown illustrates the strain he is now under, and the president's surprise at the sheer volume of business that crosses his desk.

A well-connected Washington figure, who is close to members of Mr Obama's inner circle, expressed concern that Mr Obama had failed so far to "even fake an interest in foreign policy".

A British official conceded that the furore surrounding the apparent snub to Mr Brown had come as a shock to the White House. "I think it's right to say that their focus is elsewhere, on domestic affairs. A number of our US interlocutors said they couldn't quite understand the British concerns and didn't get what that was all about."

The American source said: "Obama is overwhelmed. There is a zero sum tension between his ability to attend to the economic issues and his ability to be a proactive sculptor of the national security agenda.

"That was the gamble these guys made at the front end of this presidency and I think they're finding it a hard thing to do everything."

British diplomats insist the visit was a success, with officials getting the chance to develop closer links with Mr Obama's aides. They point out that the president has agreed to meet the prime minister for further one-to-one talks in London later this month, ahead of the G20 summit on April 2.

But they concede that the mood music of the event was at times strained. Mr Brown handed over carefully selected gifts, including a pen holder made from the wood of a warship that helped stamp out the slave trade - a sister ship of the vessel from which timbers were taken to build Mr Obama's Oval Office desk. Mr Obama's gift in return, a collection of Hollywood film DVDs that could have been bought from any high street store, looked like the kind of thing the White House might hand out to the visiting head of a minor African state.

Mr Obama rang Mr Brown as he flew home, in what many suspected was an attempt to make amends.

The real views of many in Obama administration were laid bare by a State Department official involved in planning the Brown visit, who reacted with fury when questioned by The Sunday Telegraph about why the event was so low-key.

The official dismissed any notion of the special relationship, saying: "There's nothing special about Britain. You're just the same as the other 190 countries in the world. You shouldn't expect special treatment." The apparent lack of attention to detail by the Obama administration is indicative of what many believe to be Mr Obama's determination to do too much too quickly.

In addition to passing the largest stimulus package and the largest budget in US history, Mr Obama is battling a plummeting stock market, the possible bankruptcy of General Motors, and rising unemployment. He has also begun historic efforts to achieve universal healthcare, overhaul education and begin a green energy revolution all in his first 50 days in office.

The Sunday Telegraph understands that one of Mr Obama's most prominent African American backers, whose endorsement he spent two years cultivating, has told friends that he detects a weakness in Mr Obama's character.

"The one real serious flaw I see in Barack Obama is that he thinks he can manage all this," the well-known figure told a Washington official, who spoke to this newspaper. "He's underestimating the flood of things that will hit his desk." A Democratic strategist, who is friends with several senior White House aides, revealed that the president has regularly appeared worn out and drawn during evening work sessions with senior staff in the West Wing and has been forced to make decisions more quickly than he is comfortable.

He said that on several occasions the president has had to hurry back from eating dinner with his family in the residence and then tucking his daughters in to bed, to conduct urgent government business. Matters are not helped by the pledge to give up smoking.

"People say he looks tired more often than they're used to," the strategist said. "He's still calm, but there have been flashes of irritation when he thinks he's being pushed to make a decision sooner than he wants to make it. He looks like he needs a cigarette."

Mr Obama was teased by the New York Times on Thursday in a front page story which claimed to have detected a greater prevalence of grey hairs since he entered the White House.

The Democratic strategist stressed that Mr Obama's plight was nothing new. "He knew it was going to be tough; he said as much throughout the campaign. But there's a difference between knowing it is going to be tough and facing the sheer relentless pressure of it all."

Source:

Barack Obama 'too tired' to give proper welcome to Gordon Brown - Telegraph

 

[BAK]

Susu vipi mbona Gupta kajitoa? Na yeye hajalipa kodi nini?

Anadai anategemea kupata mtoto mwingine, kama sikosei watatu, wakati wowote ule. Hivyo anadai atahitajika muda mwingi kuwepo nyumbani ili kumsaidia mkewe katika kazi mbali mbali za nyumbani ambazo zitaongezeka baada ya kupata mtoto mchanga. Kazi ambayo Obama alitaka kumteua anadai ina safari nyingi ambazo zitasababisha awe mbali na familia yake na hivyo kutokuwa na msaada wowote kama ambavyo mwenyewe angependa.

 

[Susuviri]

Bubu, naona akina Nyani na Truth wanabipu sana wakitaka na sisi tuonyeshe flash of irritation wafurahi. Unajua badala ya kujenga, mtu akipenda kubomoa basi ana muda mwingi wa kuharibu discussion.
Huyu Truth ndo hata simwelewi kila article anajaribu kutafuta negative lakini kumbe anazidi kumjenga Prez Obama. Lakini nashangaa wakati kuna habari ambayo itamwonyesha Obama in good light basi wanasahau kuzi-post kwikwiii
Sasa angalia stocks zime-rally, ghafla hawana interest na Stockmarket...

NEW YORK - Investors were trying to turn Wall Street's best performance this year into a two-day advance.

Financial stocks that led the market higher in Tuesday's huge rally were mostly higher and underpinning the day's overall gains. Tech stocks also rose after an analyst raised Hewlett-Packard Co.'s rating.

Analysts were again cautioning that the market remains deeply troubled by the ongoing problems in the banking industry and the impact of the recession on companies in all industries.

"It's rare to see large gains follow large gains," said Alan Gayle, senior investment strategist at RidgeWorth Investments. "What we would find encouraging is getting a bounce that holds. That would suggest that we may be at the beginning of a rebound."

Investors bought stocks furiously Tuesday, sending the Dow Jones industrials up nearly 380 points, on news that Citigroup Inc. was operating at a profit. But there was little economic and corporate news expected Wednesday that could help influence the market.

"To a certain extent, the market's on its own," Gayle said.

Tuesday's advance was also fed by short covering, which occurs when investors need to buy stock to replace shares that were borrowed and then sold on expectations of a market decline. Analysts said short covering was likely a factor in the market's gains again on Wednesday.

In midday trading, the Dow rose 29.55, or 0.4 percent, to 6,956.04. The Standard & Poor's 500 index added 4.72, or 0.7 percent, to 724.32, while the Nasdaq composite index, which has a heavy representation of tech stocks, rose 12.77, or 0.9 percent, to 1,371.05.

Na wale doomsayers wame-evaporate... hahaaa!

 

[Nyani Ngabu]

Bubu, naona akina Nyani na Truth wanabipu sana wakitaka na sisi tuonyeshe flash of irritation wafurahi. Unajua badala ya kujenga, mtu akipenda kubomoa basi ana muda mwingi wa kuharibu discussion.
Huyu Truth ndo hata simwelewi kila article anajaribu kutafuta negative lakini kumbe anazidi kumjenga Prez Obama. Lakini nashangaa wakati kuna habari ambayo itamwonyesha Obama in good light basi wanasahau kuzi-post kwikwiii
Sasa angalia stocks zime-rally, ghafla hawana interest na Stockmarket...

Na wale doomsayers wame-evaporate... hahaaa!

Tatizo lako wewe uko hyper sana...

 

[The Truth]

NEW YORK — Investors were trying to turn Wall Street's best performance this year into a two-day advance.

Financial stocks that led the market higher in Tuesday's huge rally were mostly higher and underpinning the day's overall gains. Tech stocks also rose after an analyst raised Hewlett-Packard Co.'s rating.

Analysts were again cautioning that the market remains deeply troubled by the ongoing problems in the banking industry and the impact of the recession on companies in all industries.

"It's rare to see large gains follow large gains," said Alan Gayle, senior investment strategist at RidgeWorth Investments. "What we would find encouraging is getting a bounce that holds. That would suggest that we may be at the beginning of a rebound."

Investors bought stocks furiously Tuesday, sending the Dow Jones industrials up nearly 380 points, on news that Citigroup Inc. was operating at a profit. But there was little economic and corporate news expected Wednesday that could help influence the market.

"To a certain extent, the market's on its own," Gayle said.

Tuesday's advance was also fed by short covering, which occurs when investors need to buy stock to replace shares that were borrowed and then sold on expectations of a market decline. Analysts said short covering was likely a factor in the market's gains again on Wednesday.

In midday trading, the Dow rose 29.55, or 0.4 percent, to 6,956.04. The Standard & Poor's 500 index added 4.72, or 0.7 percent, to 724.32, while the Nasdaq composite index, which has a heavy representation of tech stocks, rose 12.77, or 0.9 percent, to 1,371.05.

This is probably George Soros' monkeying around with the markets. Buying a lot of stocks to create these superficial gains. He did the same thing (monkeying around with the markets) if you remember to help Obantu get elected and now he is doing it to help Obantu's approval ratings. Unfortunately nothing can monkey around with reality. Obantu has spent more more money than any other human being. Think about for a second. What's even scarier is that he has been in office less than 60 days. He is spending over $250,000 to create a job that pays $50,000 .... That's a good example of Bantunomics!

 

[The Truth]

Obantu signs a bill full of earmarks breaking a campaign promise he made. Does it matter you Obantu sycophants? That this man is a liar, coniving and just another politician? I guess it doesn't since you are still supporting him..

Obama Signs 'Imperfect' Spending Bill, Announces Earmark Reforms
The president did not make any pledge to eliminate earmarks or reduce them. Rather, he and House Democrats announced new reforms to subject them to greater scrutiny and transparency.



Wednesday, March 11, 2009

President Obama speaks as he meets with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, not shown, Wednesday in Washington. (AP Photo)

PEOPLE WHO READ THIS...
Also read these stories:
Obama Budget Director Faces Tough Questions on Health Care Plan
[2009-03-10]
obama budget director faces tough questions on health care plan, health, obama, question, budget
14 visitors also liked this.
Congressional Leaders Offer New Financial Reins
[2009-01-30]
10 visitors also liked this.
Irritated Obama 'Stares Down' Reporter During Press Corps Visit
[2009-01-22]
irritated obama 'stares down' reporter during press corps visit, obama, reporters, stimulus, politics
17992 visitors also liked this.
Gibbs Takes Off Gloves to Challenge Reporters, Hosts Who Cross Obama
[2009-03-04]
gibbs challenges those who cross obama, gibbs takes off gloves to challenge reporters hosts who cross obama, obama, gibbs challenges reporters who cross obama, reporters
6840 visitors also liked this.
Pelosi Made Repeated Requests for Military Aircraft, Documents Show
[2009-03-10]
pelosi made repeated requests for military aircraft, pelosi, military, pelosi made repeated requests for military aircraft documents show, »study pelosi made repeated requests for military aircraft
12616 visitors also liked this.
powered by BaynotePresident Obama on Wednesday signed a $410 billion spending bill to keep the government running through the end of the fiscal year, despite complaints that the package was filled with thousands of earmarks.

The president earlier defended the bill, which he called "imperfect" but necessary. But at the same time he announced new reforms he said would prevent wasteful earmarks in the future.

The president did not make any pledge to eliminate earmarks or reduce them. Rather, he and House Democrats announced new reforms to subject them to greater scrutiny and transparency.

"Done right, earmarks have given legislators the opportunity to direct federal money to worthy projects that benefit people in their district, and that's why I have opposed their outright elimination," Obama said. "But the fact is that on occasion, earmarks have been used as a vehicle for waste, and fraud and abuse. Projects have been inserted at the 11th hour, without review, and sometimes without merit, in order to satisfy the political or personal agendas of a given legislator, rather than the public interest."

Obama said the reforms would require lawmakers seeking earmarks to post them on their Web sites in advance, so the public and press can review them. He said each earmark should be "open to scrutiny" at public hearings.

"If my administration evaluates an earmark and determines that it has no legitimate public purpose, we will seek to eliminate it," Obama said.

He also said all earmarks for for-profit companies should be subject to competitive bidding requirements.

"The awarding of earmarks to private companies is the single most corrupting element of this practice," Obama said.

The announcement came after Congress passed the $410 billion spending package Tuesday night. Taxpayers for Common Sense estimated the package contained 8,570 disclosed earmarks worth $7.7 billion.

"I am signing an imperfect omnibus bill because it's necessary for the ongoing functions of government," Obama said, adding that he would use it as a "departure point" for enacting new reforms.

He did not respond to a question asking why was not signing the spending bill in public.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who opposed the earmarks in the bill, criticized his former election opponent Wednesday for not pledging to "use his veto pen" to stop pork-barrel projects.

"The president's rhetoric is impressive, but his statement affirms we will continue to do business as usual in Washington regarding earmarks in appropriations legislation," he said in a written statement. "This is an opportunity missed."

The 1,132-page bill has an extraordinary reach, wrapping together nine spending bills to fund the annual operating budgets of every Cabinet department except Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs. Among the many earmarks are $485,000 for a boarding school for at-risk native students in western Alaska and $1.2 million for Helen Keller International so the nonprofit can provide eyeglasses to students with poor vision.

Most of the government has been running on a stopgap funding bill set to expire at midnight Wednesday. Refusing to sign the newly completed spending bill would force Congress to pass another bill to keep the lights on come Thursday or else shut down the massive federal government.

The $410 billion bill includes significant increases in food aid for the poor, energy research and other programs. It was supposed to have been completed last fall, but Democrats opted against election-year battles with Republicans and former President George W. Bush.

The measure was a top priority for Democratic leaders, who praised it for numerous increases denied by Bush. It once enjoyed support from Republicans.

But the bill ran into an unexpected political hailstorm in Congress after Obama's spending-heavy economic stimulus bill and his 2010 budget plan, which forecast a $1.8 trillion deficit for the current budget year.

The bill's big increases -- among them a 14 percent boost for a popular program that feeds infants and poor women and a 10 percent increase for housing vouchers for the poor -- represent a clear win for Democrats who spent most of the past decade battling with Bush over money for domestic programs. Republicans, though, had called on Obama to veto the measure.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.