Carney questions Boehner on ‘legislating’

White House press secretary Jay Carney on Thursday lashed out at House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), following a speech in which Boehner criticized President Obama for abandoning Congress to legislate alone.

Carney tweeted: “Dear Mr. Speaker: you refuse to hold a vote on the Jobs Act, a mainstream bill that would boost economy & jobs now. That’s legislating?”

Boehner expressed his frustration with Obama in a speech at the Washington Ideas Forum that took place at the same time as Obama’s news conference promoting his jobs bill. Boehner said Obama had given up on governing in favor of his campaign.

“We’re legislating, he’s campaigning. It’s very disappointing,” Boehner said.

Carney laid into Boehner and House Republicans in a series of tweets following up on Obama’s criticism of the GOP for playing “games” with the economy.

“As POTUS said, he welcomes GOP ideas that would grow the economy and put people back to work NOW. Where are they?” Carney tweeted.

Republicans also took to social media to respond to Obama’s news conference. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) gave several responses during the president’s remarks, tweeting: “Obama & Democrats real fight isn’t with Republicans, its [sic] with reality.”

Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) backed Boehner’s point with his tweet: “President Obama’s travel calendar indicates his so-called jobs plan is more 2012 politics than 2011 legislating.”

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