From what I have heard, the Republicans appear to be split over this issue. There are some who still insist that the USA should put missile installations to protect our allies against "the evil Russians", and there are others who argue they are tired of paying for all the defense of the ungrateful Europeans, who are probably richer than we are, anyway. Democrats are split the same way, but they won't say anything bad about Obama. So, it looks like he will not get too much backlash - apart from the talk radio hosts who already hate anything Obama does, just on principle.

Fully agree, MEJennsen; while the politicians know for sure that scientists do not put much faith in the efficacy of the system, it became a political sacred cow, so the only way to get out of it, is to arrange a gentle climb-down. So, those that scream at Obama will just have one more thing to scream about. In fact, Obama is on to something. Just give Rush Limbaugh more topics to scream about, and his followers will get very confused. Polish health care, or no, shield for swine flu, or no, the new missile virus... The Republicans themselves admit that when in hole, they tend to dig deeper. And we as a country are in a deep, deep hole. So, anything that will remove some financial strain, would be of help. The liquidity is sucked out of the economy as the government needs are balooning. And if they think that some tinkering with Social Security, health care or education will do it ---- better think twice. Nobody is in the mood for games.