Change That at Least Some People Can Believe In

[babylonsister]

Change That at Least Some People Can Believe In
By Stuart Rothenberg


Although he hasn't yet taken the oath of office, President-elect Barack Obama has already made appointments, offered comments about the Middle East and sketched out the elements of an economic stimulus package that he hopes to be able to sign.

Predictably, some observers are already talking about the "several hits" that Obama has taken, a reference to the withdrawal of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's (D) nomination for the top job at Commerce and the mishandling of the appointment of Leon Panetta to head the CIA.

But these problems are minor, and the reaction to most of the incoming administration's appointments has been positive. But that doesn't mean everyone is thrilled with everything Obama has done.

Republicans are unhappy with the size of the stimulus package, while liberals are worried that his foreign policy advisers are too conservative. Gays are angry that he's picked a conservative evangelical minister to offer the benediction at his inauguration.

The Club for Growth is skeptical about another big jobs program and wants across-the-board tax cuts instead. Self-styled Democratic outsiders wonder how Paul Volcker, Lawrence Summers, Panetta, Tom Daschle, Rahm Emanuel, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Robert Gates constitute change.

CODEPINK is upset that Obama hasn't taken a strong stand against the violence in the Middle East and against Israel's military actions in Gaza. And, of course, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the incoming chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, is very unhappy that Obama didn't discuss his selection for CIA chief with her before it was leaked to the media.

All in all, that adds up to a pretty good start for the incoming commander in chief. Any politician who has ruffled so many feathers from such diverse constituencies must be doing something right.

more...

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/01/change_that_at_least_some_peop.html

[firedupdem]

1. Great Article! Thanks for this! n/t

[Window]

2. K/R. Excellent article.

:kick:

[Jennicut]

3. Everyone has a bone to pick when you are prez, no one is ever satisfied

As president, you have to do what YOU think is right. The buck stops at you and trying to please everyone will drive you insane.