Gregg’s record–in the House, as New Hampshire’s governor, and for 16 years in the Senate–has always been that of a fiscal conservative, albeit with more independence with time. Obama’s historic election and the immense economic dangers now facing the nation have clearly influenced his outlook, just as they have been two recurring themes in recent interviews.
“His election confirms our creed…His Inauguration is a renewal event,” Gregg said of the new president in December. More recently, he was impressed by Obama’s analysis of the economic crisis before a Senate Republican luncheon last week.
“His presentation was a tour de force. It was surely impressive and it was comprehensive,” Gregg said later. “I felt much better he had such a comprehensive understanding of what I see as the issue. He’s clearly moving forward aggressively on all the different fronts.”
For Gregg to cross over now and join the administration will make it harder for his fellow Republicans to demonize Obama and refuse to give the new president the running room he needs to put together his economic recovery plan.