Politics & Government

(VIDEO) Ellison: 'Tough Times Make Great Leaders'

Golden Valley's representative appeared on "The O'Reilly Factor" and "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" last week.

Shuster asked for Ellison's reaction to President Barack Obama's jobs and debt plan.

Ellison said:

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I like it. I'm feeling good about the tone. I think the president has stepped it up at the right time and I'm definitely in support of the American Jobs Act. I think that it is past time, actually, so I'm really excited.

Indicating he disagrees with some aspect of the president's plan, he added:

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You know, I like the tax proposal, as well. There are a few things that I'd like to talk with the president about.

Shuster asked him about some "centrist" Democrats' reactions to the jobs plan.

Ellison responded:

Well, I think that some folks are just always worried about what the other side, and I mean the other side of the aisle, is going to do or how the other side of the aisle is going to paint them. My thought is you cannot twist yourself into a shape that the folks in the Tea Party are going to like unless you quit the Democratic Party and join them. Then you'll win their favor. Short of that, they're coming at you, so you might as well be who you are and fight.

On Friday, Ellison appeared on "The O'Reilly Factor on Fox News."

Bill O'Reilly started the interview with the question, "Do you believe, first of all, that America is on the skids?"

Ellison said:

No way. America's best days are ahead of her and all you need to do is look at the immigration. People want to come to America. This is the land of opportunity. Everybody knows that abroad. The folks who live here outta be a little bit more appreciative of the great country we have.

O'Reilly listed the factors that are leading to Americans' negative views: the unemployment rate, debt, and the impasse in Congress.

Ellison said America has been through tough times before and it would come out of them this time, as well. He finished with an endorsement of Obama in 2012:

Tough times make great leaders and I believe Barack Obama has the stuff to lead our country into a greater place.


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