The Early Word: Opt Out

The Early Word: Opt Out By JADA F. SMITH Today’s Times
President Obama opted not to endorse the recommendations of a deficit commission he created, but later adopted many of the proposals in a modified form, Jackie Calmes reports. Mr. Obama’s handling of the Bowles-Simpson plan illuminates his struggles with the deficit politics that have curbed his ambitions and forced him to confront the limits of his persuasive powers.
While Mitt Romney is now counting more than ever on superior organization and planning to pull him through a state-by-state battle for delegates, such an image can undercut a candidate as much as it benefits him, Ashley Parker writes. He continues to fight the perception that he, like the operation working to elect him, is a triumph of political engineering over passion and authenticity.
Illegal immigration is no longer the all-consuming issue it had been for so long in Arizona, Adam Nagourney reports. The economic problems – unemployment, home foreclosures – have contributed to the shift in attention, along with some Republicans fearing that the issue could alienate Latino voters.
Republican-led Legislatures are lagging in the creation of health insurance exchanges, a centerpiece of the 2010 health care law, until they know if President Obama will be able to enforce the new law or not, Robert Pear reports. While many states are waiting for a Supreme Court decision or even the November election results, they may run out of time for compliance, as the Obama administration will begin deciding on Jan. 1, 2013 whether each state is ready to run its own exchange or whether the federal government should do the job.
Around the Web
Ann Romney says her husband is done with all the debating, at least until primary season is over.
Happenings in Washington
The president and vice president will host a meeting with the National Governors Association in the State Dining Room. Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will also be on hand to discuss military spouse employment with the country’s governors.
Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Dr. Biden will later host a reception in honor of Black History Month at the Naval Observatory.
Nikki Giovanni will judge a high school Poetry Slam at Reagan Washington National Airport in honor of Black History Month.