Julian Castro goes to bat for Obama’s foreclosure crisis policies

By Anjeanette Damon

Friday, Sept. 14, 2012 | 11:30 a.m.

Nevada voters should look at President Barack Obama’s track record on housing and not trust “the gossip” from those who have criticized Obama’s approach to the foreclosure crisis, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro said today.

In an interview for To the Point, Castro shrugged off criticism from both Republicans and Democrats that Obama did not act aggressively enough to stave off the foreclosure crisis that continues to hamstring Nevada’s economic recovery.

In his new book, “The Price of Politics,” investigative journalist Bob Woodward quotes Obama as telling his advisors soon after his election, “We will not roll out an aggressive housing plan.”

The excerpt was first reported by Face to Face host Jon Ralston.

But Castro belittled the quote.

“Let’s not listen necessarily to the gossip in books from one author,” Castro said. “Let’s look at the actual track record of what the president put forward. He put forward a plan to make it easier for folks to refinance their homes at these historically low rates. The Republican led Congress has simply said no to that.”

While Republicans have voted against some of Obama’s initiatives, Democrats in states hit hard by the foreclosure crisis have also been critical of Obama’s approach. Those critics have included Rep. Shelley Berkley, who voted to halt Obama’s original foreclosure assistance program because she viewed it as ineffective.

Even Obama admitted his initial approach fell short of expectations and revamped the program last year.

According to the New York Times, only one in four troubled homeowners have received permanent mortgage assistance through Obama’s programs.

Castro’s full interview will air on To the Point at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow on Channel 3.