Why are the Republicans being so concilatory with Obama ??

[kentuck]

Do we really believe they are willing to work with President Obama on his agenda? No, not really. They have read the writing on the wall and they see that he is a very popular and beloved political figure. It would not serve them well to attack him at this point.

However, do not be deceived. They are only waiting for the political opportunity to chop him off at the legs. Unfortunately for them, they have been "de-nutted" by the recent election and they don't have any more bullets in their guns. They have no choice but to say they support our new President.

Barack Obama should take that support, no matter how false or insincere, and use it to his advantage. Let them put their votes where their mouths are. Give them an opportunity to vote for tax cuts for the middle class, roll backs of the Bush tax cuts. Give them a chance to vote on the new education reforms, as well as programs that will put people to work. Give them the opportunity to vote for a new healthcare reform.

We shall see just how much they support this new President? Of course, they are all thinking of the next election, as always...

[Happyhippychick]

1. This may sound crazy but I think they just might like the guy. I have never seen Chris Wallace

smile until election night and even he declared that even if you didn't vote for the guy, you can't help but like him.

[BlueCaliDem]

2. Agreed. That "opportunity" they're waiting for is for the right-wing media

... to gain some traction in destroying Pres.-elect Obama's rep.

They need to bring down his popularity and the love he's gained from the people first before they can bring him down - and they're at it already.

[Bucky]

3. Not so much "de-nutted" as driven back. But yes, they will come back ugly as ever

They cower in fear of his popularity--they flung their ugliest monkey shit through the bars at him and he mere brushed it off and kept on marching. They are not merely waiting for an opportunity to attack him, however. You can be there's at least a couple of updated "Arkansas Projects" out there being ginned up even as we speak.

[jimshoes]

4. We just need to be careful they don't steal

all that dry powder we've got saved up and use it against us. Where is that stuff anyway?

[Skidmore]

5. For the present time, they have no unified message and they

have no designated leader. Add to that the fact that they have very little power to effect much and the people have seen through their tricks.

[lunatica]

6. They're in too much disarray so they don't have their daily talking points

faxed or emailed to them every morning. Rove is out because it's the backlash against him that has left their party rudderless. They have Sarah Palin, disgraced Tom DeLay or chickenshit Newt as their figureheads.

They're reeling from the crushing blow they never saw coming. Even at their most pessimistic time before the elections they didn't realize what a crushing blow it would be.

Plus Obama hasn't taken office and neither has the new Congress.

And they're too busy packing their shit so they can vacate their erstwhile offices.

[DireStrike]

7. Of course. I trust Obama knows this... for the most part.

But he's pledged to work with the "Center" of the existing power structure. Hopefully he will inch the line in our direction a bit, but...

[liberalmuse]

8. On election night...

when Obama was announced, people took to the streets and sang the national anthem. Who woulda thought the godless liberals even knew the words? And the whole world is celebrating. Everyone likes us now! Who wouldn't want to be a part of that? I think we are finding out right now which Republicans are actually human, and which are part of the borg.

[Snotcicles]

9. Clap On Clap Off, stinking republicans and their principals. Sleep with one eye open at all times nt

[Snotcicles]

10. Watch how they will start getting more casual with their look.

My hair isn't perfect now so I must be one of you guys. Don't believe? me stick around, I plan to let a swear word slip out while we're on the air soon.

[SmileyRose]

11. Access

they know they've been marginalized and the only way to keep any power at all is to play nice until they figure out a way to stick it to him.

[kentuck]

17. Yep..

I think you are right.

[Kind of Blue]

12. Faux News shutout from participating in the Q/A

in Obama's press conference I thought was rather telling. They've lost the House, the Senate, The Presidency and they can't even ask questions. They're now irrelevant and don't matter and they know it. Assholes! As you said, they have no choice.

[carnie_sf]

13. They just had their a**es handed to them nt

[marlakay]

14. For now they want to be on the right side of history making

but like someone else said they are looking for their leader. As soon as they find that person they will rally to them and I heard their big issue is going to be marriage. Which to me is dumb because its like running on being divisive again at a time when america wants reconciliation.

[TheCowsCameHome]

15. The crackpot right will continue beating the drums,

but I hope the more level-headed wing of the party will be willing to work with the new president.

[leftofthedial]

16. opportunity knocks . . .

he has opened the door to them in a way he never has opened the door to the left.