Leadership? Obama Admin Says NY Marathon is a 'Local Issue'

Foul-weather federalists.

White House press secretary Jay Carney said Friday that any decision about the New York City marathon should be left to local officials.

President Obama is focused on mobilizing “an unprecedented federal response” to Hurricane Sandy, Carney told reporters on Air Force One.

“We engage with state and local officials and rely on them to tell us what their needs are,” Carney said. “Decisions at the state and local level are made appropriately by state and local officials.”

They’re right, but inconsistent. Their newfound federalism obviously doesn’t extend to local officials making decisions on law enforcement and health care policy.