Obama Calls House GOP Lawsuit a 'Political Stunt

President Barack Obama taunted House Republicans over the anticipated lawsuit regarding executive action, first accusing them of trying to “rig” the system in favor of the wealthy, then called on them to show more bipartisanship.

President Barack Obama speaks about the economy, Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at Cheesman Park in Denver. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

“I gather that some of the Republicans in Congress are mad at me for going ahead and doing things,” Obama said speaking to an audience in Denver, Colorado, in what was billed as an economic address. “I don't know which things they find most offensive, whether its creating jobs or easing student loan burdens or raising wages. But it's really bothering them.”

“They have a plan to sue me for taking executive actions that are within my authority while they do nothing,” Obama said to laughter from the crowd. “I have a better idea. They should do something. I will work with them. Rather than engage in political stunts that waste time and taxpayer money, join me, let's do something things together, let's build some roads, let's give America a raise, let's help families with child care costs.”

House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) has said that a lawsuit is likely the only way for Congress to assert a separation of powers and assure that Obama faithfully executes the law in what some Republicans feel are runaway executives actions by the Obama administration.

Among the most controversial actions have been unilateral action on delaying parts of the Obamacare law and unilateral action on exempting certain young illegal immigrants from deportation.

Obama and administration officials have consistently argued that such actions are in his authority.

Earlier in the speech, Obama said Republicans in Congress were only looking out for the wealthy.

“Republicans in Congress have shown over and over, they'll do anything to rig the system for people at the top, or to try to score political points on me, even if the obstruction keeps the system rigged against the Middle Class,” Obama said.

He also said he won't be deterred from taking more executive actions.

“So whenever and wherever I can go ahead and help families like yours and I've got the legal authority to do it, I'm going to do it. I'm not going to wait,” Obama said. “While still reaching out to Congress, what I've said to them is if you're not acting, I'm going to go ahead and do what I can.”

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