That's what I'm reading in the transcript of the President's interview with ABC News' Charles Gibson tonight. Obama also concedes that the appearance of a double standard for his nominees is a valid complaint, and he says he takes full responsibility for it.
Here's the "Buy American" portion of the deal:
CHARLES GIBSON: A couple of quick questions. There are "Buy America" provisions in this bill. A lot of people think that could set up a trade war, cost American jobs. You want them out?
PRESIDENT OBAMA: I want provisions that are going to be a violation of World Trade Organization agreements or in other ways signal protectionism. I think that would be a mistake right now. That is a potential source of trade wars that we can't afford at a time when trade is sinking all across the globe.
CHARLES GIBSON: What's in there now? Do you think that does that? Do you want it out?
PRESIDENT OBAMA: I think we need to make sure that any provisions that are in there are not going to trigger a trade war.
This article available online at:
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2009/02/obama-wants-buy-american-out-of-stimulus-bill/318/
