Reply #24: Actually, going too far to the left is what will cost him.

[empyreanisles]

Again, there are racial factors at play here. I will repeat again: THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES CANNOT PROMOTE AN EXTREME LEFT WING AGENDA . Not only is it political suicide but it is also toxic for race relations. He must prove he is an American who includes everyone and is not out to destroy the "system" out of spite. Yes, it is unfair but it is reality. The forward thinking on DU is NOT representative of our country as a whole.

Just look at how batshit crazy some people are getting over Obama's pretty boilerplate liberal proposals. If they were coming from a white guy there would be complaints, but not charges of "SOCAILSIM" or "COMMUNISM". No, they are seeing a black man and automatically assuming that "radical" is in his DNA.

Obama will remain solidly liberal. We will see significant changes from the Bush-era, but not a wild, earth-shattering system shock. He will promote the rights of workers, champion science and ecology, get rid of the inbalance in taxation, and restore the USA a diplomatic power.

But he will not upend capitalism, legalize marijuana, promote unwavering pacifism, or intentionally disband health insurance companies.

What he will do is gradually move the thinking of the American people towards the left so that after 8 years, the idea of a much more progressive candidate than he won't be so outrageous. Then, with THIS guy, we'll get the single payer, the legal pot, the shut down of many US bases around the world, etc..

But for now, we remain center-right country.