Obama faces uncomfortable questions from black community, lawmakers

[alp227]

From the start of his history-making tenure, the nation’s first black president took care never to be seen making policy or political decisions aimed solely or directly at black America. His position: He is the president of the whole country, focused on broad-based fixes to “lift all boats.”

The race-avoidance strategy served President Obama well, helping him attract support from many whites while also mobilizing African Americans energized by the powerful symbol of a black commander in chief.

But a soaring jobless rate among African Americans and a newfound comfort by black lawmakers to criticize Obama’s economic policies are prompting the White House to recalibrate — and to focus more directly on the struggles of black America.

The shift comes amid a growing concern among some Democrats that the stubborn economic conditions in minority communities might hamper efforts by Obama’s reelection campaign to generate the large black voter turnout it needs in key cities to make up for his declining support among white independents.

full: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-faces-uncomfortable-questions-from-black-community-lawmakers/2011/08/25/gIQAxV6meJ_singlePage.html

[FrenchieCat]

1. Yep....We will abandon him like we did Bill Clinton!

I was thinkg that perhaps if Obama would behave as Bill Clinton did, Democrats of all shape, size and color would unite to his defense, and elect him one more time like they did Clinton!
Maybe we can find a blue dress!

A Girl can dream for equal treatment, can't she. :shrug:

[zalinda]

2. The economic situation is not the same

Clinton lucked out with the Internet boom, which is the only reason he had high poll numbers. There was money around and easy credit, it was a party compared to what is happening now. And, since the Internet was so young, he didn't have politic nerds dissecting every thing he did in office.

Obama is not going to have such luck.

zalinda

[Supersedeas]

11. there's that, but there's also the historical precedent that Obama has set

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

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[FrenchieCat]

4. Here's a letter that is a good read on this very subject and has been making the rounds in the!

Black community -

http://3chicspolitico.com/2011/08/18/rep-barbara-lee-chariman-of-the-congressional-black-congress-this-letters-for-you/

[Cali_Democrat]

5. Obama's jobs proposal better be STRONG

None if this this compromise bullshit. The American people are suffering...bold leadership and bold proposals are now required. He's tried caving into the GOP in the name of compromise and independents have been fleeing him.

Obama needs an FDR-style proposal or he will be in a world of hurt. He needs to take the fight to the GOP and make the case to the American people.

The ball is in Obama's court.

[Name removed]

6. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LetTimmySmoke]

8. But has Obama ACTUALLY put a strong jobs proposal forward and done what you suggest.

Not quite. He's more interested in protecting bankers as of late.

[Cali_Democrat]

13. If Obama's proposal is bold and strong and the GOP rejects it,

I will applaud him for trying to take a stand and so will much of the country.

[JoePhilly]

28. Doubt that ...

If he is unable to get it done ... he'll be attacked on DU as weak.

And whatever effort he makes, will be called weak. Unless he gets everything we want.

That is how it works on DU ... If Obama does not get EVERYTHING, then the position he took was not STRONG enough.

And oh ... if he gets NOTHING .... then the claim will be that the GOP got 100% of what they wanted.

Its lose / lose for Obama on DU, most days.

[polmaven]

10. I am so tired of the constant

comparisons of BHO to FDR. The 1930s were a much different time. When he took office in 1933 FDR had an enormous advantage in the Senate, with 59 Dems, 36 Repubs and one Labor Party. (keep in mind there were just 48 states at the time). That advantage grew in 1935 to 70 Dems, 23 Repubs and 3 Indies.

Please also remember that back then, the Republicans were not nearly as obnoxious, and actually had the good of the country as their first priority, not the ruination of the president.

Yes, I agree he has not done enough to make his case to the people, but as far as legislation, given the hand he has been dealt, he has accomplished an amazing amount of things.

[Hart2008]

25. So how did FDR expand his majorities when Obama could not?

You appear to be amazed quite easily.

The point is that as the former governor in what was then the largest state in the union, FDR knew how to govern, and not just how to make motivational speeches.

When the Repukes opposed popular legislation, FDR made them pay the price. He didn't negotiate with Repuke terrorists. So, he increased the congressional majorities in his first mid term elections. Obama did not, so he lost seats.

I submit to you that the issue is not that the 1930's were such a different time, but that there is a great difference in the leadership skills of the two presidents. Hence the objection to the comparison between the two.

[polmaven]

26. HE didn't increase anything by himself!

When Republicans opposed popular legislation it didn't matter, because there were more than sufficient Democrats to overcome their opposition.

The Democratic voters didn't start complaining that he was ineffective, because he had the support to be effective. He didn't HAVE to negotiate with Republicans. And the Republicans of that time were not "terrorists" intent on ruining him even if it meant ruining the country while they did it.

The leadership style could be different because the Congress was not the same as it is today. Today, in order to do even part of what he wants to get done, he needs to compromise. Otherwise, the country would fall into an even worse situation than it is now.

I don't pretend that he is perfect, but then I really don't know anyone who is perfect, do you?

I don't think I really want to know anyone is perfect.

[Sheepshank]

17. The proporsal had better be strong................or what?

You'll find something negative to post about Obama?

haa haa :rofl:

[uponit7771]

19. heh heh, good one...the bashers mostly have nothing left

[Cali_Democrat]

20. Or his numbers will continue to slide and he will continue to bleed support

The time for bold leadership and bold proposals is now. Now more compromise. If he continues to put forth weak sauce proposals looking to garner GOP support, people on the left will call him out on it.

You can count on that. The longer he ignores the left, the more his numbers will continue to slide IMO.

[Sheepshank]

21. like you have yet to make up your mind? There is something that can change it?

not buying it.

[Cali_Democrat]

22. If Obama's proposal his strong and he forcefully challenges the GOP to support hit,

his numbers will spike. Obama will garner a lot of support because there's a severe jobs crisis in this country and people are looking for bold leadership.

[Name removed]

23. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Cali_Democrat]

27. Yes....I want him to enact policies that will give him a bump

so I can work harder to nullify any bump.

You're a flippin' genius.

[LetTimmySmoke]

7. Will he find a way to bend out of yet another uncomfortable "news cycle distraction?"

Time will tell. A smattering of a few beautiful words here or there might just do the trick for the man who is the everything and the nothing, the right and the left, the pleaser of everyone and the pleased by no one. Or will such poetic words fall short?

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

9. Yeah, we black people can't wait to dismiss our black president. Try again!

[Proud Liberal Dem]

12. Just keep posting the negative news

It's pretty to safe to assume that there won't be any positive "news stories" about President Obama put out there by the corporate media anytime soon (if ever). :eyes:

[colbertforpresident]

14. Stop blaming the messenger

Obama has been nothing but another corporate tool. He sucks and we deserve better.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

16. I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on those points

n/t

[Marnie]

15. All boats haven't been lifted.

Only the yachts have.

So the policy, what ever it was has failed its intended purpose.

We all know the rules you lift heavy objects by squating, placing the hands under the object, and lifting from the bottom. That way the top has to rise also.

Grabbing the top and yanking often only rips the top off, leaves the bottom unmoved, and frequently damages the contents.

Amen

[uponit7771]

18. This does not mean blacks are abondoning Obama any in notable form, the OP and the story are bunk

[Autumn]

24. Well I think I will just grab a

:popcorn: