We are no better than them

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

36. But even Krugman, who has criticized Obama--sometimes unfairly in my view--has come around

to understanding and being more empathetic to Obama's plight with the Republicans. And again, Paul Krugman has been no friend to Barack Obama. From the very beginning, he has been a harsh critic, even an early supporter of Hillary Clinton, which was puzzling because her husband's economic policies were just as conservative as Obama's. Krugman continued his very harsh, unrelenting criticisms of Obama throughout much of his first term up until the Republican primaries. Then, it seemed as though Krugman began to have a change of heart when he saw how the Republicans were playing Russian roulette with the debt ceiling and deliberately blocking Jobs bills, playing games with the budget, sequestration, then the media blaming Obama for that.

You mention Krugman here, but I think he is a great example of someone who was once very unfair towards Obama but then opened his eyes and came around to be a bit more sympathetic. The OP seems to be suggesting something similar here. Is Obama the best negotiator when it comes to policy debates and explaining shit? No. Is he the best fighter when it comes to political battles? No. Is he forceful? Sometimes yes. I've seen him be when necessary. Sometimes no when he needs to be more forceful. However, has he been effective at the end of the day when it's all been said and done? Well, obviously. The man won two terms--by electoral mandate--overwhelming margins, all despite economic uncertainty and a bad economy, unrest in the world. He has done something right.

I can't speak for the OP, but like Krugman, I believe that all he's saying is that we be a bit more empathetic to what the president has faced and what he faces. I'm not suggesting that we agree with everything the president does and not debate on things on which we don't agree. I'm not suggesting that we stop fighting and just sit it out. I'm suggesting that we stop the knee-jerk reactions every time there is speculation regarding what this president is "planning" to do without any real information or concrete knowledge of what will happen. I'm suggesting that we go after Republicans more; hold them accountable for their obstruction. For the last five years, I've personally witnessed a lot less bashing of Republicans and much more bashing and hatred of this president than anything else.

Just my pov.