Policy and Politics Explained: President Obama vs. Chamber of Commerce

Since 1912, the United States Chamber of Commerce and the White House have long been unified in the mutual respect of democratic ideals and free enterprise.

This abruptly changed during President Obama’s first year in office. The Chamber’s support of Republican candidates, rejection of the Employee Free Choice Act and concerns about climate control legislation, has naturally provoked a White House occupied with control and ownership of American businesses.

Past Democratic administrations have respected the Chamber of Commerce and its mission – “to advance human progress through an economic, political and social system based on individual freedom, incentive, initiative, opportunity and responsibility.”

Formed almost 100 years ago to actively promote American business in the efforts of foreign trade, the United States Chamber of Commerce was developed at the request of the Department of State. State business organizations were urged to form a national council, lending expertise to congressional matters and advising the needs of American commerce to the legislature.

The Chamber’s long-standing belief in smaller government, less regulation and lower taxes is at odds with the President’s agenda of climate control legislation, his push for new regulation of the financial sector and government control of health care. Their ideology has been met with labeling of the Chamber as stereotypical, aggressive and out-of-step.

President Obama’s chief business liaison, Valerie Jarrett, has described the Chamber as being disengaged from the business community, chiefly because of their criticism of government health care reform and desire for answers in a climate science hearing. In response the Chamber’s long-time lobbyist, R. Bruce Josten, has reported that compared to previous administrations less access is being given to Obama’s chief aides.

Contentious Communication

Unlike previous presidents who might have disagreed with the Chamber on policy matters; there have been no attempts by President Obama to work with the Chamber on improving legislation and neutralizing potential concerns.

President Obama’s open dislike of lobbyists and business lobbying was given voice on October 9^th before reporters in the East room. “They’re very good at this because that’s how business has been done in Washington for a very long time. In fact, over the last 10 years, the Chamber spent nearly half a billion dollars alone on lobbying – half a billion.”

Instead of working with the Chamber, President Obama privately meets with small groups of business CEO’s in the White House Dining room. Obama is now re-writing the rules of the game in Washington, fueled by the Chamber’s opposition to the President’s overhaul of the health-care system.

President Obama and the Chamber of Commerce each describe the current relationship very differently. Jarret describes all discussions as contentious, while the White House insists they remain open to meeting with the Chamber and its officials.