In June 3rd AP radio news, I heard Stephanie Cutter, Deputy Manager of the Obama re-election campaign, say:
Republicans in Congress have refused to approve measures that will improve job creation because they want the President to fail. They need to get off their hands and stop rooting for failure.
I’m not clear about what the last line, “They need to get off their hands and stop rooting for failure,” means. From (or to) what Republicans need to get off their hands? What does "get off one’s hand" mean? What does "root for failure" mean?
Would you explain the last line in plain English?
Best Answer
British English would use "stop sitting on their hands," which is perhaps more understandable: if you're sitting on your hands, you can't do anything.
Root for means "to cheer and encourage someone or something". Cutter is accusing Republicans of supporting a measure which will lead to failure of the President's initiatives.
"They need to do something positive and support our initiatives rather than those which will fail."