Obama isn't weak (he just isn't a liberal) by David Sirota

[Douglas Carpenter]

David Sirota

Friday, Aug 5, 2011 07:01 ET

Obama isn't weak (he just isn't a liberal)

The president has the political muscle to enact a progressive agenda, but he doesn't want to

snip: On healthcare, for instance, Obama passed a Heritage Foundation-inspired bailout of the private health insurance industry, all while undermining other more-progressive proposals. On foreign policy, he escalated old wars and initiated new ones. On civil liberties, he not only continued the Patriot Act and indefinite detention of terrorism suspects but also claimed the right to assassinate American citizens without charge.

On financial issues, he fought off every serious proposal to reregulate banks following the economic meltdown; he preserved ongoing bank bailouts; and he resisted pressure to prosecute Wall Street thieves. On fiscal matters, after extending the Bush tax cuts at a time of massive deficits, he has used the debt ceiling negotiations to set the stage for potentially massive cuts to Social Security and Medicare -- cuts that would be far bigger than any of his proposed revenue increases.

As hideous and destructive as it is, this record is anything but weak. It is, on the contrary, demonstrable proof of Obama's impressive political muscle, especially because polls show he has achieved these goals despite the large majority of Americans who oppose them.

Importantly, though, Obama himself has not suffered from equally negative polling numbers. While his approval rating is not terrific, he is in decent shape for reelection -- and, more significantly, he has suffered only a minimal erosion of Democratic support. He is relatively popular, in other words, despite advocating wildly unpopular policies. Thanks to that reality, every one of his stunning legislative triumphs now has the previously unprecedented imprimatur of rank-and-file Democratic support.

http://www.salon.com/news/david_sirota/index.html?story=/news/david_sirota/2011/08/05/obama_fdr_debt_ceiling&source=newsletter&utm_source=contactology&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Salon_Daily%20Newsletter%20%28Not%20Premium%29_7_30_110

[PSPS]

1. He's right. Obama is a ringer.

[SammyWinstonJack]

3. +1. nt

[KittyWampus]

7. No, and anyone believing that is out of touch with political reality, lying or misguided.

[sudopod]

23. OK, I guess? nt

[Armstead]

36. Well then, I guess I'm all three in your eyes -- Which I consider a compliment

It might be helpful if instead of putdowns, you might actually challenge the content of things with substance once in a while.

But I guess that would slow the output of your machine.

[inna]

69. and that is just your (utterly "misguided") personal opinion

- to which of course you're entitled.

it's pretty meaningless, anyway; most people (at least on this board) are able to think for themselves and put 2 and 2 together. :shrug:

[sendero]

67. I'm coming to that conclusion.

... also. Everything is so orchestrated, like a pro wrestling match. It's all a big show.

[Lorien]

68. Yep. Anyone who can't see that at this point is completely self deluded. nt

[Raine]

80. EXACTLY nt

[demosincebirth]

2. I thought he ran as a Democrat.

[KittyWampus]

6. He is a Democrat and has moved us slowly leftward.

[whatchamacallit]

20. What color is the sky on your planet?

:crazy:

[hay rick]

29. Not that left. The other left.

He is left of Bush- ever so slightly.

[Myrina]

33. +100

n/t

[mochajava666]

41. Give him another term, and he will have moved to the right of W

[EFerrari]

42. Is he? Maybe on the stump

But someone apparently moved his desk.

[hay rick]

54. Who moved his desk?

It wasn't the people who voted for him.

[City Lights]

49. LOL!

:spray:

[sabrina 1]

61. Lol!

Are you serious? In fact I think he himself would disagree with you. The last thing he wants to be viewed as is 'left'. He works hard to dispel that myth as he appears to believe there is some shame in being on the 'left'. Much like his 'most admired president' Ronnie Raygun.

It's clear what he thinks of progressive policies.

[inna]

70. now, that is some funny shit, Kitty.

[Raine]

81. "leftward"

:spray: I wish I had some of whatever you're smoking! :crazy: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[_ed_]

86. Your post is absurd

In what area have we gone left? Civil liberties? War? Finance? Taxes?

[tomp]

88. i know a good psychiatrist that can help you with that. nt

[LWolf]

9. "Democrat" is not synonymous with "liberal."

Anyone can register with the party and be called a Democrat. Liberal values aren't required.

The DLC, the "3rd way," and the "new democrats" are perfect illustrations.

[demosincebirth]

16. I know that. Thats the party he ran under...not liberal.

[LSdemocrat]

78. No, he ran on bringing a new culture of cooperation and consensus

Democratic activists just blindly saw community organizer from the Southside of Chicago who was right on Iraq from the start, and just assumed "liberal" based on just about nothing of substance.

[iamthebandfanman]

84. it was probably the

the no touching social security and no bush tax cut extentions that made people assume too...

along with a host of other campaign promises that seemed 'liberal'.

face it, he said one thing to get elected and just hasnt followed through.

sure he ran in the spirit of bi-partisonship and co-operation, but who doesnt say stuff like that on a presidential campaign trail the last 30 years? everyone would like to be seen as fair.

all i know is, 98% of what a boner wants in congress is definitely not liberal nor fair ;)

[theophilus]

4. Depressing, but apparently true. I wish to be proven mistaken. n/t

[KittyWampus]

5. #1. Obama HAS been moving us steadily Left. Those of us in the reality based community know this.

THAT is why he's still polling well with actual, progressive liberals.

#2. Sirota is on fucking drugs or deliberately lying if he really thinks Obama can push through more progressive legislation at a faster pace.

Congress/Obama PASSED financial reform. And it was watered down by REPUBLICANS. Congress/Obama tried to pass more regulations on trading but they were killed by REPUBLICANS.

No, actually Sirtoa isn't on drugs... he's definitely lying. He knows his bullshit will fly with a certain group of ideologues. He's just spewing crap to be popular with his audience.

It's obvious at this point how heavily invested so many supposed "progressives" are completely invested in Obama failing. It's sick. And it's sick that supposed Leftwing sites foster an atmosphere where the ideologues can engage in their infantile, circle jerk tantrums unabated day after day.

[jtown1123]

10. I don't see a leftward progression. He's pretty conservative in his ideas about the debt

and the economy...he's said repeatedly reducing the debt and deficit will foster job growth...that's a very conservative stance, not a liberal one.

[jaxx]

11. Well said.

Sirota and others conveniently ignore the pubs fighting progress every step of the way. Every win has been eked out of obstruction.

[Armstead]

37. Why do R's succeed whether in the majority or minority and Dems just make excuses for failure?

I think the answer is in my question, actually.

[Raksha]

50. I think the answer's in your question too.

It's a pattern we've observed repeatedly over the years.

[sabrina 1]

62. Because half the Dem Party agrees with Repub ideas?

We appear to have half a party left, if that, the other half never has a problem being what they call 'bi-partisan' but I would call 'voting their consciences'. :eyes:

[Capn Sunshine]

15. Oh yeah, there's $$ in the hysteria hate Obama wing of the party

Ask Ariana, Jane, Cynk and Keith.

[Armstead]

38. LOL...This is today's Worst Post in the Woooooorld!!!

[hay rick]

47. If they're out for money they should

join the hate Obama wing of the other party. Ariana, Jane, Cynk and Keith are making pocket change compared to Rush, Bill_O and Glenn.

[comtec]

58. There's a world of difference between POINTING OUT HIS FLAWS and hating him

I don't hate obama, not even a little
im disappointed beyond words.
that's something the apologists don't seem to comprehend.
I don't hate him, im let down, devastatingly, by him
i keep waiting and waiting for him to become that person I thought I voted for... and i've finally realized it'll never happen.
we were sold a bill of goods...

and now we're all doomed because of it.

I voted for a leader, and as a liberal, that isn't what I have in the white house.
I have a bluedog president.

occasionally DOING something for the little guy, but usually just talking then capitulating to the reisch wing.

He's leading... but it's not us.

and that's the painful truth in the OP

I simultaneously and jealous of, and feel sorry for the apologists... to live in that dream world must be a wonderful thing

[hay rick]

65. I don't hate Obama- but maybe I should.

Obama always seems so cool, calm and collected- so rational- that it is difficult to ascribe bad motives to him. Nevertheless, I despise what he has done with his presidency and there is really no one else to blame for his actions.

How can the evaluation of a man, especially one who aspired to and reached the most powerful (and most responsible) position in the world, be much different from the value we place on his actions?

A charming man who does terrible things...sounds like a sociopath...

[markpkessinger]

77. Amen!

You've captured my sentiments exactly.

The apologists seem to want us to pretend shit is caviar, or at least nicer shit than we would have had otherwise. Sorry, I'm not buying it anymore.

[BigBearJohn]

82. Exactly. You can't make chicken soup out of chicken shit, no matter how hard you try.

[politicasista]

55. +1 n/t

[tomp]

89. again, i have that psychiatrist's number for you.

schizophrenics think they are reality based, too. in fact, i know schizophrenics who are more reality-based than you. if you seek help perhaps your delusions can go away....although it seems like your case might be hopeless.

also, i would call attention to the republican-style projection you use, so clearly seeing your own faults in the other. it's pathognomonic.

[inna]

92. what a (typically) vile comment nt

[JackDragna]

95. "Reality-based community?"

The same one that has given him a free pass as he's escalated wars, given off billions to bankers and capitulated time and again with the people who want to destroy us?

[Marr]

8. /rec

[treestar]

12. More Bullshit

More Presidency as Monarch magical thinking.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

13. Obama is just another centrist mediocrity from the "not as bad" wing of the party.

[leeroysphitz]

22. +1

[hifiguy]

28. Bingo

and he has been more than willing to sidestep congressional Dems to cut deals with the moneymen and the Repukes.

[Kurmudgeon]

30. I guess you'd prefer a blood spilling money worshipper like a Bush then.

And Libya is not Iraq, before you make the expected retort.
Remember, vote for the lesser evil. I understand some are disappointed, but the other choice was McCain/Palin with the potential of having Palin being president. I expect the next GOP candidate to be no better and possibly horrifyingly worse.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

31. Not true.

McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden weren't the only choices.

My ballot had other candidates on it and a write-in option.

"Remember, vote for the lesser evil." I have the quaint notion that my ballot belongs to me and not to any politician or party. Though, I am open to being convinced that they are the most progressive/anti-war candidate on the ballot. If not.....

[Douglas Carpenter]

53. there I disagree..I'm afraid McCain/Palin were the only other choice.

At least the only other choice that actually had even the slightest possibility of governing - which makes the other "choices" not really choices at all but opportunities to ventilate ones frustrations if one means by choices - choosing who will govern. They were not even opportunities to send a message as any message was obviously lost. I tend to agree with the point Mr. Sirota is making. But one is often in ordinary life confronted with less than desirable but still stark choices - like stay in a lousy job or have no dependable income at all. Or if one is a bit more fortunate - leave that lousy job for a job that pays significantly less but is considerably more pleasant. One is rarely given the choice of stay in a lousy job or take a wonderfully pleasant job that pays equally as well or better. So it is with politics as with life itself. Stay with the lousy somewhat corporate controlled, somewhat warmongering Democrats or go with the batshit crazy far more corporate controlled, far more warmongering reactionary nuts that dominate today's Republican Party. But frankly I recognized that was the choice when I supported Obama in the first place. Unlike some - I never believed Obama was a liberal and am thus not that disappointed..but I suppose I did hope against hope.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

64. Well, having voted in a total of 22 federal elections thus far..

and having noted that my single vote has never decided the outcome of any of them and realizing that my single vote highly unlikely to effect the outcome of any future election, I choose to vote my conscience. It also avoids wear and tear on the nose which is the usual pre-condition of voting along party lines. I ascribe my voting at all to force of habit rather than the ridiculous notion that doing so will change anything.

[Douglas Carpenter]

72. well we do have to vote our conscience. It is just the thought that if a few more people had voted

strategically following their heads a bit more than their hearts back in Florida in 2000 - Bush would not have been able to steal the election and the country and the world could have been spared the catastrophic consequences.

[Kurmudgeon]

74. +1 infinity!!

[Kurmudgeon]

73. McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden were the only VIABLE choices. Use your ballot how you wish, but ....

Try not to cry too hard when the next Bush style Neo Con GOP blood spiller is in power.
Because after all, you were a useful tool.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

76. Oh, dear! Will it all be my fault?

[Kurmudgeon]

93. Yes, just like Nader!

[JAbuchan08]

85. THey were the only viable choice because you believed they were

It's a self-fulfilling prophecy, they become the only viable choices, because the vast majority of people given in to popular wisdom, and you're no less weak-willed if you follow the crowd than if you follow the media.

[Douglas Carpenter]

90. yes and money only has value because people believe it does.

but that's besides the point. McCain/Palin were the only viable choices to Obama in 2008. Just as Ronald Reagan was the only viable choice to Jimmy Carter in 1980 and George W. Bush was the only viable choice to Al Gore in 2000. I know that Obama is not a liberal and neither was Jimmy Carter or the Al Gore of the 2000 campaign. I wish that were not the case. But it was. And an even more right-wing ticket, more extreme than Reagan, George W. Bush or McCain/Palin will be the only viable choice to Obama in 2012.I wish there was the viable choice of a pro-universal health care, social-democratic ticket that would cut defense spending, move America away from its unsustainable military empire and put America on the road to democratic socialism. I really, really wish that were the case. But it's not and no amount of wishing will make reality go away.

[JAbuchan08]

97. You're absolutely right!

Wishing won't make it go away, taking action might.

You know what they say "every race begins with the first step." You may consider yourself a pragmatic individual, but add yourself in with all the other "pragmatic individuals" and what you have in aggregate is a herd mentality that can only be broken by individuals like you (or more likely completely unlike you) leading by example.

Stay comfortable in the herd, you might think it's moving, but when all you're seeing is the other sheeps butts in front of you are you really going anywhere?

[Douglas Carpenter]

99. and you are absolutely right - we are not going anywhere and we are not accomplishing anything

But I would rather see the country go no where and accomplish nothing than go in the direction and accomplish the agenda of the right-wing of the Republican Party. Unfortunately that is the choice we are confronted with in today's America - to stick with today's do nothing Democratic Party or to allow or contribute to a situation by supporting misguided efforts that would allow right-wing Republican policy to drag us into the abyss. Until the situation and circumstances change in such a way that there are other alternatives - I will stick with my principle that I would fight on the side of the devil if the devil was fighting the right-wing of the Republican Party.

[Kurmudgeon]

94. That was who the GOP nominated, that's hardly the fault of a registered Democrat.

If the GOP wasn't interested enough to put out better candidates, that's hardly my fault or problem.
I was a Hillary supporter for the longest time. Then when her campaign stumbled, due in part to the incredible damage she took from right wing smears from the media and all over, I went with Mr. Obama because I liked what he had to say and no matter what, I wanted right wing out of the White House.

[JAbuchan08]

98. The point stands.

it applies to either side, and the Democratic primaries as well. Besides I thought we were talking about being brave enough to pick the better Democratic candidate to compete with whomever the GOP nominates?

[EFerrari]

75. Obama's got six wars going now. n/t

[Karmadillo]

14. Two options: one can refute the article with facts or attack Sirota. I'm guessing we'll see

the latter a lot more than the former. "Fuck Sirota" is a lot easier to type than a couple of paragraphs defending Obama's "hideous and destructive" record.

[jtown1123]

19. Yep.

[ProSense]

17. What

"On healthcare, for instance, Obama passed a Heritage Foundation-inspired bailout of the private health insurance industry"

...utter nonsense.

The health care law is more progressive than Clinton's. It included catastrophic care coverage (picked up for Kerry's 2004 plan), free preventive care for seniors, and it provides a funded path to single payer for states.

Bernie Sanders voted for it (video).

[TheKentuckian]

56. Nonsense would include something like it isn't the Heritage Foundation's basic plan.

But since it clearly is, the remark is not nonsense regardless if Sanders voted for it or you think it is more liberal than HillaryCare 1.0

[Stargleamer]

18. I thought I was voting for a Democrat in 2008

not a "Republican-Lite". What a disappointment he's been.

[Bonhomme Richard]

21. If Obama would have only used left of center as a starting point rather than...

right of center then I would agree with those supporting him. Then, at least, I would feel he tried and lost. Pulling the public option off the table when the majority were open to it was an eye opener for me. Attacking the left while coddling the right was an eye opener. Not using the bully pulpit to tell it like it is with the repugs was an eye opener. Not raising revenues when the majority want them raised was an eye opener. With my eyes opened so wide I now see him for what he is. Not good, not a bad person, just very different from the man he was selling than the one I voted for. If these are all 12th level chess moves then I can't afford anymore victories like that.
I am disgusted and the worse of it is that he has lost all credibility with me. When he speaks now all I hear is yada, yada, yada.
In 2012 I will vote for him, assuming he is the nominee, but I don't have to be happy about it.

[Chimichurri]

24. Obama's record speaks for itself. I don't understand why people are in such denial.

[LiberalLovinLug]

46. right you are

No public option

Extended Bush tax cuts

Extended Patriot Act

Guantanamo still running with new limitless incarceration with no trial

No consequences for previous administration law-breaking on illegal wiretapping and lying us into war

No consequences for Wall Street thievery on the middle class, and no real new regulations to prevent it from happening again.

Shutting out of every liberal voice on EVERY issue.

[Kahuna]

25. Sirota isn't weak. He's just a whiny windbag. nt

[otohara]

57. I had to stop listening

All he does is bitch about POTUS.
He is always saying "if you don't like what I say, then go away"
So I did!

[WinkyDink]

26. Obama is not a Liberal because he is of the post-Civil-Rights-struggles generation, as he likes

pointing out.

[ProSense]

27. Sirota: Obama not weak, not

liberal! Everyone's got one!

DADT Repeal Has Been Certified

Breaking: President Endorses DOMA Repeal Bill on Eve of Senate Hearings.

How Obama is shoring up federal authority over Medicaid

Elizabeth Warren: "We would not have a consumer agency if not for President Obama."

WH: Partnership for Sustainable Communities Marks Two Trailblazing Years

N.L.R.B. Rules Would Streamline Unionizing

Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on Transportation Security Officers' Vote for AFGE

ACLU: Justice Is Served (Fair Sentencing Act made retroactive)

EPA Proposes First National Standard for Mercury Pollution from Power Plants / Mercury and air toxics standards represent one of strongest health protections from air pollution since passage of Clean Air Act

LANDMARK AGREEMENT MOVES 757 SPECIES TOWARD FEDERAL PROTECTION

Human Rights First: Obama Praised for Action Plan to Prevent Mass Atrocities, Genocide

"more seniors receiving free preventive care, discounts in the donut hole"

HHS announces free birth control for women in the U.S.

Fuel Standards

Here's my take away from the OP: Obama is not weak!

I know, I know...teh LIST!!!!

:rofl:

[Myrina]

32. Gawd it hurts to see this in someone else's writing & realize it's true ...

... Sigh. Like finding actual proof that your spouse is cheating on you, so you can't just 'doubt your doubts' anymore.

[bvar22]

34. I wish we had elected THIS Pro- Working Class Liberal instead:

EFCA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMNVIQqatyU

NAFTA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LtbLEKHsi0&NR=1

Cadillac Tax
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8wmN3wvhNM&feature=player_embedded

Support for LABOR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA9KC8SMu3o

Public Option & Mandates
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acc6Wn_BWlk

Transparency
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5t8GdxFYBU

Restore America’s Honor
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-june-15-2010/respect-my-authoritah

WAR without Congressional Approval
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejvyDn1TPr8

What ever happened to THAT guy?

[Armstead]

39. Hey Shut Up...Those are just promises. Not meant to be actually kept.

Kinda like that health care thingy.

[blkmusclmachine]

35. Channels Reagan. Called George Bush 1 "a man of Honor and Courage."

And called Boner a "good faith negotiator." That's definitely far right of "Center." Obama's phoney "bi-partisanship" is between 2 groups: the GOP and the Tea Party.

[Rex]

40. It is true, he is not weak...has a powerful group in his cabinet.

The strongest corporate suit we've had since LBJ.

[Armstead]

43. Digging up a recent post: Team Obama is Very Effective at LBJ/FDR Hardball tactics

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x1632658

(Written during the recent Debt Debate debacle)


What we are seeing now is the Obama Machine in full gear. And it is an awesome sight. An absolutely brilliant and effective political performance. This is the Obama we thought we would be getting in 2008. (I am not being sarcastic.)

Twisting arms and putting the pressure on reluctant members of their party. Sending out a very effective and totally consistent message. Making sure the Democratic Party is unified in achieving a goal. Building d smart relationships with Republicans to push things over the line.

There's only one problem. They always wait until there is a bad deal on the table before they actually use this super effective political machine. And all of this firepower is aimed against liberals and progressives.

This is becoming a pattern. During the process of developing legislation, Obama shows no actual leadership and is arms-length and is indecisive. His stated goals are very muddled and inconsistent to the point of incoherence. He advocates for something important one day, then advocates in the opposite direction the next. His role in negotiations seems to be totally self-defeating by starting at the GOP's points and moving rightward from there. He seems detached and almost confused.

As a result he allows Republicans to roll Democrats and push their backs to the wall. And that results in some awful last-minute "compromise" legislation that gives the GOP 80 percent of what they want and Democrats 20 percent. And always on the verge of some "disaster deadline."

But then a miracle seems to happen. Obama slips into a phone booth and emerges as Super President. He dons his LBJ Suit, marshals his forces and aggressively and clearly leads the troops, twisting arms, reining in recalcitrant Democrats and whipping them into line. Don Knotts transformed into Gen Patton, and the Keystone Cops White House are revealed as the ruthlessly effective Mission Impossible team.

The result is a formidable political operation with one message: "This is inevitable. Resistance is futile."

There's only one problem. It is used to ensure that the goals of liberals and progressives are undermined. Of course the WH Squad is sympathetic. "We know this is a bad bill, but it must be done to avoid disaster."

So we end up with conservative hash.

Oh if only team Obama were to actually kick-in earlier when it matters -- and if it were used to advance a liberal agenda and support liberals and progressives instead of defeating them.

[QC]

44. +1

[libmom74]

45. Exactly. Obama and

his team are extremely effective at getting what they want when it comes to RW/Corporate friendly legislation.

[deutsey]

48. Kick for Sirota n/t

[Name removed]

51. Deleted message

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

[amborin]

52. K&R

[kath]

59. "Thanks to that reality, every one of his stunning legislative triumphs now has the previously

unprecedented imprimatur of rank-and-file Democratic support."

Jeebus, is that ever depressing to read.
Awful, but true.

[Divine Discontent]

60. No excuses. President Obama had as much power as any president could have & compromised it away.

His negotiating efforts with the GOP absolutely left much to be desired, and to hear some say that his hands were tied is laughable when he came to DC in a landslide with a large majority in the House and the Senate, and the clear capitulation on important things led to a disinterested Democratic party electorate that saw no reason to fight for his vision when the mid-term election came. Many that didn't vote just saw him as another typical politician who'd continue doing what he was doing after the election (tax cut extensions for the rich, anyone).

The president simply negotiated away, or never fought for things (Public Option) when he had the most power. He placed far too much emphasis on befriending the Republican Party by placing numerous amounts of their people in positions of power that were affiliated with the previous office holder's disastrous administration. We got taken when it comes to the hard shift to the left that the voters widely expected when they rejected Republicans in 2008 and presented him with a large majority in Congress.

I don't see a Republican winning against him, in fact, I think it's a joke to think someone as ridiculous and lousy as Romney (he couldn't beat McCain!) could beat him. Sure, if they pick the right one, they'll be energized about their candidate, but "they" refers to closed-minded white America, and there's only so many people like that left. Minorities will still come out and vote for the president, perhaps not in the large numbers as before, however, it will be enough to win.

The problem is, it doesn't really matter that a GOP candidate loses to our Democratic president when he is willing to compromise with people that openly admit to taking "hostage" things in our country to push their ideology of killing government and defending the filthy rich, and he assists them as he did in giving the filthy rich a further tax holiday which harmed the economy and deficit when revenue was greatly needed.

A primary challenge can only do so much to let him see we're dissatisfied, it's just the truth, but what else can we do when he supports things that our party is highly against? Many people on our side find a primary challenge abhorrent and would never vote against a sitting president in favor of another Democratic candidate, even if they liked the contender more, because they figure we'd risk losing the office to the GOP or that it's simply rude to do that to the sitting president.

We essentially are damned if we do, damned if we don't, and that's why I say our best hope is to support the efforts to form large protest rallies, and will gladly attend them wherever and whenever I can. He must see a sea of people that are demanding that he bring out the "Sword of Justice" on the shameful policies that protect and defend the rich and corporations before it's too late for our country, and instead, use his words and passion for the people. Is it still there in him? Well, I believe a million people or more outside your house wanting to speak to you can make you pay attention.

[Raine]

79. TOTALLY agree. nt

:thumbsup:

[LeftyMom]

63. Of course he's not a liberal, but he negotiates as badly as anybody I've ever seen.

The general idea of negotiating, as understood by most everybody on the planet, is to ask for more than what you really want and meet in the middle. Obama seems to start out by asking for something reasonable and declaring victory when he gets some small fraction of what he wanted.

[QC]

71. He plays a great game of good cop/bad cop, though.

Gotta give him that!

[dreamnightwind]

83. I think he's quite good at negotiating

but what he wants is not what you think he wants.

Cynical, I guess, but at this point he no longer gets the benefit of the doubt.

He's extremely capable, one of the smartest political strategists I've seen, and his positioning himself to the left of Hillary in the primaries is a good example of his brilliance. Is he to the left of Hillary? I dunno, most anything I care about is to the left of Hillary, she's so corporate-centrist. But Obama's whole Hope and Change transformative candidate identity was a masterful creation, and he played the role quite well, even copping a black evangelist's accent when speaking at some campaign events. See if he dusts that off again in the next campaign, I'm thinking he will.

He's a pro, very smooth and intelligent. And a man that knows how to get what he wants. He's just not that into us.

[swilton]

66. Mr. Teflon

[Blasphemer]

87. In actuality, it is no different than what GWB accomplished

I am not talking about the specifics of policy - I am talking about garnering support despite large numbers of people disliking his policy. It's what we heard throughout most of the Bush years. He had no breadth of support but, rather, had depth of support. So, it did not matter if his agenda was unpopular, the loyalty of his supporters made up for that. It is precisely the same with Obama. He receives support for policies that, if undertaken by a Republican, would not be supported by those who voted for him. The recent poll regarding the debt crisis resolution is a perfect example. If this was a Republican president making the same deal, it would be hated by more Democrats than Republicans. Unfortunately, may people pay more attention to personality than to policy. It's been that way for 50 years and has gotten progressively worse as we have moved from the electronic age into the digital age. Just like Bush before him, Obama will end up re-elected but with an opposition Congress for at least his last two year as POTUS. In 2016, we'll have a GOP President whose charisma is widely lauded in the press. Rinse and repeat.

[inna]

91. hard to disagree with any of his points; i think i like Sirota

[struggle4progress]

96. If we want Progressive politics, we need lots and lots of Progressive grassroots organizing:

we need an agreed-upon agenda, and we need thousands and thousands of people organized 24/7 to push for that agenda by tracking legislators and regulators and leaning on them all the time

Corporate interests control the media and maintain an army of lobbyists to pressure Congress and statehouses and agencies and the courts and the public CONTINUALLY for their objectives -- the pressure never ends

When we organize comparable pressure for our objectives, we'll start winning. Until then, not so much

"Obama has lots of power! He should do all this stuff!" -- Well, that's rather like expecting him to stand somewhere in the Mississippi River and push it back upstream by himself