General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Why do some on the Left keep saying that Pres. Obama is "center-right"? [View all]Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)Obama that they don't have the votes for the public option.
His S.Ct. Justices are not just "okay." They are decidedly Democrats and liberals. They may not be progressive, but no progressive would get past the nomination phase in Congress at this time (or maybe any time).
Was Reagan center left, since he nominated Sandra Day O'Connor, who sometimes sided with the liberals? Was Bush Sr. center left, since he nominated Justice Souter, who turned out to be a disappointment to conservatives?
The truth is...Presidents don't know how Justices will decide certain legal cases. They may have an idea, know their philosophy, etc., but no one can really know. Each case is different, and Justices may decide a case in a way that goes against their personal beliefs, but based on the law and circumstances.
Is Justice Roberts center left because he is the one responsible for validating Obamacare?
Truth is...when someone doesn't make decisions and do actions that some others totally agree with, they label them as some "other" thing from themselves.
Obama is most definitely center left. Just as he was when he campaigned in 2008. He's surprised us, for sure, in a few areas. And continues to surprise us. But his thrust is toward the left. If you don't think so, you're not familiar with the "right."