Abstract
This chapter examines the intergovernmental relations policy within Barack Obama’s presidency. Our research analyzes the interaction by D.C. actors with state governments and asks whether the Obama presidency represents continuity or change. This chapter focuses on economic policy and, after a synopsis of economic policy institutions, is divided into four sections titled something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Although some actions, such as stimulus initiatives, suggest change, other actions point toward continuity with the George W. Bush’s presidency. Obama’s tenure is dominated by polarized federalism, a climate that began with Bush and continued beyond the Obama administration and into the Trump administration. Polarized federalism affects intergovernmental relations in horizontal and vertical dimensions. Finally, we will examine if and how the Obama administration policies within the realm intergovernmental relations and economic policy differ from those of the Trump administration.
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McMillan, S.L., Kinsella, C.J. (2022). Barack Obama, Intergovernmental Relations, and Economic Policy: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue. In: Grossman, M., Matthews, R.E., Schortgen, F. (eds) Achievements and Legacy of the Obama Presidency. The Evolving American Presidency. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-89529-7_3
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