General Discussion

quakerboy

(14,854 posts)

84. I am to the left of President Obama's current policy and actions.

Fri Dec 23, 2011, 06:55 AM

Dec 2011

I don't know the man personally, and I don't know if his policy/actions match his personal beliefs. I'd like to think that he is more to the left than he has governed. But even if so, I am likely to the left of him.

As to support, I guess it depends on what you mean. Will I correct people out in the wide world when they repeat one of the RW lies about him? Yes. Will I defend him against warranted criticism for his mistakes, particularly against the people harmed by them? No.

Will I donate money or phone bank or go door to door like I did last time round? Not likely. Will I vote for him? Almost certainly, given the apparent absence of any practical alternative. I just gotta keep saying "scotus" and gritting my teeth, apparently.

But I don't agree that "some progress was made". It was one step forward, three steps back. Better than 6 steps back under bush, but still not progress as such.

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Who here considers himself/herself to the left of Obama? And if you are, will you support him? [View all] mvd Dec 2011 OP

Same here ... n/t RKP5637 Dec 2011 #1

Yes and Yes Angry Dragon Dec 2011 #2

yes and yes Sedona Dec 2011 #3

Me. Define "support." Brickbat Dec 2011 #4

Vote for and support his candidacy over the Repuke mvd Dec 2011 #7

A little more about that mvd Dec 2011 #14

I am far to the left of Obama, but will be voting for him. n/t teddy51 Dec 2011 #5

I am disappointed but I will support him. There is no other person I could support. I southernyankeebelle Dec 2011 #243

definitely donquijoterocket Dec 2011 #268

You are so right southernyankeebelle Dec 2011 #291

yes and yes n/t Greybnk48 Dec 2011 #6

Support. joshcryer Dec 2011 #8

That's exactly where I'm at. Fantastic Anarchist Dec 2011 #102

Do people call you an imperialist apologist... joshcryer Dec 2011 #274

Only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fantastic Anarchist Dec 2011 #282

that's about where I am as well - TBF Dec 2011 #120

I laughed Skelly Dec 2011 #134

Eh, I don't put a lot of stock in the entire political process... joshcryer Dec 2011 #273

Exactly. nt TBF Dec 2011 #295

"I still vote just in case they are counting" Fantastic Anarchist Dec 2011 #283

Yes/No. Hawkowl Dec 2011 #9

A perfectly reasonable position for the privileged. joshcryer Dec 2011 #11

Thanks for Helping republican efforts abelenkpe Dec 2011 #26

And thank YOU for helping republican efforts. Xicano Dec 2011 #214

I understand your position, thanks for the support in the past. Shoe Horn Dec 2011 #64

Regarding Texas, this should help to make you feel a little better ... Tx4obama Dec 2011 #77

Yes, thank you. Shoe Horn Dec 2011 #79

I get a population of 40 million for the others hfojvt Dec 2011 #220

Whereas California, which went strongly Democractic in 2008 and 2010 JDPriestly Dec 2011 #263

true enough hfojvt Dec 2011 #264

Texas is big, and growing. That's my take away message. Shoe Horn Dec 2011 #297

You know one thing about that list? Fantastic Anarchist Dec 2011 #284

So you are going to vote for the most harmful candidate then? stevenleser Dec 2011 #198

I'm with you. emilyg Dec 2011 #209

I can see the headline now unionworks Dec 2011 #10

I am way to the left of Obama, but I will vote for him. qb Dec 2011 #12

I consider myself to be an unabashed liberal socialist, and I will unabashedly vote for Obama. baldguy Dec 2011 #13

a billion? tomp Dec 2011 #90

Yep. That's what nader voters thought in 2000. They thought bush would Kahuna Dec 2011 #91

Hardly! Wind Dancer Dec 2011 #122

Even if you accept that Nader didn't have an impact grantcart Dec 2011 #176

Not to mention the lies that Gore would be no better than Bush. Thats the big one. stevenleser Dec 2011 #200

Agree 100% Frances Dec 2011 #211

We have to stop meeting like this. grantcart Dec 2011 #256

DING DING DING! That was my point. Not how bush wrangled his way in... Kahuna Dec 2011 #307

The poster... Wind Dancer Dec 2011 #217

Nader increased the opportunity for the GOP to get away with a non democratic vote and he knows it. grantcart Dec 2011 #254

Ha ha! That's not even my point. Somebody has a guilty conscience. nt Kahuna Dec 2011 #306

first off, it's lame that you bring nader into this. tomp Dec 2011 #303

It's not about Nader. It's about the voters who failed to use good judgement Kahuna Dec 2011 #308

gore failed to win them over. tomp Dec 2011 #316

Yes and Yes SteveG Dec 2011 #15

To the left of Obama NCTraveler Dec 2011 #16

Can't vote for him Prophet 451 Dec 2011 #17

My ideals are to the left of Obama's achievements. MH1 Dec 2011 #18

I really feel President Obama needs us. mvd Dec 2011 #21

He surely doesn't act like he needs us pscot Dec 2011 #171

I really like the model you used. JoePhilly Dec 2011 #25

Well said emulatorloo Dec 2011 #212

Well said! "To the left of Obama's achievements, but a pragmatist". That's me, too. Zalatix Dec 2011 #52

This is a very good post, and I agree with you. joshcryer Dec 2011 #69

Well said, MH1. Exactly how I feel about Obama's presidency so far. n/t Blaukraut Dec 2011 #187

Excellent post. Thanks for taking the time to make it. emulatorloo Dec 2011 #213

"will you support him;" greiner3 Dec 2011 #19

Succintly well put. Yes/yes. Old and In the Way Dec 2011 #20

I am and I doubt it. I expect him to be reelected in spite of me Vincardog Dec 2011 #22

yes and I am already working on 2012. w8liftinglady Dec 2011 #23

Left-er, yes. Ineeda Dec 2011 #24

yes n/t RainDog Dec 2011 #27

Here's how you can help the most progressive Democrat BlueToTheBone Dec 2011 #28

I'm to left of his first term of his Presidency proud patriot Dec 2011 #29

Yes and we'll see. UnrepentantLiberal Dec 2011 #30

Yes, yes: reason: live in reality. n/t dimbear Dec 2011 #31

Yes and yes. n/t Louisiana1976 Dec 2011 #32

i am much further left. DesertFlower Dec 2011 #33

Depends on the subject, really. MineralMan Dec 2011 #34

Yeah, I agree that single payer will not be a reality tomorrow. mvd Dec 2011 #35

Unfortunately, government must act to keep the system running and to fund it. MineralMan Dec 2011 #36

I don't agree so much on the extent of compromises, but of course do on getting more progressives in mvd Dec 2011 #37

Let me suggest, alternatively, that progress has never been slow and incremental. Laelth Dec 2011 #113

Yes. I will support the most progressive, anti-war, candidate on the ballot. Tierra_y_Libertad Dec 2011 #38

Yes and yes. Jamastiene Dec 2011 #39

yes and yes n/t Betsy Ross Dec 2011 #40

He's to my right, especially on social issues like equality for all, and I am not interested Bluenorthwest Dec 2011 #41

I'll vote for him. Iggo Dec 2011 #42

I'll vote for him HeiressofBickworth Dec 2011 #43

Yes, and No, respectively DisgustipatedinCA Dec 2011 #44

Yes and maybe izquierdista Dec 2011 #45

Absolutely to the left of Obama here and was hoping for a Liberal/Progressive primary challenger. NorthCarolina Dec 2011 #46

I'm to the left of him XemaSab Dec 2011 #47

I'll probably be in AZ, so neither will mine. joshcryer Dec 2011 #70

What do they call it when you keep doing the same thing over and over, hoping NorthCarolina Dec 2011 #48

They don't call it anything. Because that's not the quote. The Doctor. Dec 2011 #175

Might as well vote for someone while I await the proletarian revolution. nt Modern_Matthew Dec 2011 #49

The revolution will be neutralized ... Fantastic Anarchist Dec 2011 #285

I am to the Left of Obama.... unkachuck Dec 2011 #50

Same here eridani Dec 2011 #51

I am and I will DesertRat Dec 2011 #53

To the left, yes, will I vote for him again? No. ThomWV Dec 2011 #54

Of course donco Dec 2011 #55

Hey, we have no choice customerserviceguy Dec 2011 #56

I am far to the left of Obama- I will not vote for him Marrah_G Dec 2011 #57

Makes sense! pnwmom Dec 2011 #74

Yes, and time will tell. Fearless Dec 2011 #58

Far Left and Yes (n/t) FlaGatorJD Dec 2011 #59

Yes, and Yes... and I'll just have to hope for a TRUE progressive liberal candidate in 2016 dorksied Dec 2011 #60

So will your vote for Obama. Daemonaquila Dec 2011 #108

left of obama griffi94 Dec 2011 #61

Yes and I will vote for him Lunabelle Dec 2011 #62

Me, me, me!! I'm at least 20 feet left of obama! Ecumenist Dec 2011 #63

of course, there is no choice Douglas Carpenter Dec 2011 #65

Yes / Yes (but I live in Texas so it really doesn't matter) Shoe Horn Dec 2011 #66

See comment #77 n/t Tx4obama Dec 2011 #78

I like looking at elections where we got TROUNCED, and see who stood by us then. Shoe Horn Dec 2011 #80

Ditto bluestateboomer Dec 2011 #67

As a Democratic Socialist, I'm far to the left of Obama. I support his re-election because coalition_unwilling Dec 2011 #68

+1, I support the people it will help by choosing the side that at least tries to care... joshcryer Dec 2011 #71

Oh, I'm under no illusions that the Obama\Democratic cohort cares about coalition_unwilling Dec 2011 #162

He indicated that he doesn't need the left (ie, "professional" left). Shouldn't this be good enough AnotherMcIntosh Dec 2011 #72

Are you a highly paid blogger or television talking head? emulatorloo Dec 2011 #180

Obviously, if he doesn't need the "professional" left, he doesn't need the amateur left either. AnotherMcIntosh Dec 2011 #195

Continue to willfully misinterpret if it makes you feel better emulatorloo Dec 2011 #207

Are you being obtuse on purpose? My reply didn't disagree with yours. AnotherMcIntosh Dec 2011 #221

My disagreement with you is your insistence that "It was a signal." emulatorloo Dec 2011 #226

yes and yes greyghost Dec 2011 #73

I'm significantly to the left of the compromises Obama's had to make. pnwmom Dec 2011 #75

Funny you should mention this. I just wrote a facebook post that I'm going to put here because it's tavalon Dec 2011 #76

What a positive way of looking at things quakerboy Dec 2011 #86

Don't forget that FDR had 12 years (!) in the White House, not just 3. Ineeda Dec 2011 #94

FDR was well on his way by year 3. :( nt Romulox Dec 2011 #111

And he had a very good congress to work with :) nt emulatorloo Dec 2011 #238

Worry not tavalon Dec 2011 #312

Maybe FDR had 12 years for a good reason. He was a Democrat, not a Centrist. AnotherMcIntosh Dec 2011 #197

Maybe there was another reason, like 70 real Democrats in the senate + a huge majority in the house stevenleser Dec 2011 #281

With whom did he compromise when he appointed Geithner? AnotherMcIntosh Dec 2011 #288

Yes and yes. I'm a Democratic Socialist and will NEVER vote Republican. urbuddha Dec 2011 #81

I do and I will. . . DinahMoeHum Dec 2011 #82

Yes and Don't know. tomg Dec 2011 #83

I am to the left of President Obama's current policy and actions. quakerboy Dec 2011 #84

I live in Texas PDittie Dec 2011 #85

I always did consider myself to his left; always wanted him to win. LeftishBrit Dec 2011 #87

OHHH!!!!ME!!! ME!!!!! ME!!!!! Justice wanted Dec 2011 #88

In other words, will I be voting against Republicans again mmonk Dec 2011 #89

I'll vote for him unenthusiastically, but not quite at the "lesser of two evils" level Jim Lane Dec 2011 #92

Well to the left quaker bill Dec 2011 #93

Yes, and........ HowHeThinks Dec 2011 #95

Obama is proving to be to the right of Nixon. I'm not knocking 4,000 doors for Barack again. leveymg Dec 2011 #96

I will vote for Obama handmade34 Dec 2011 #97

I'll be voting for him too> Survivoreesta Dec 2011 #98

I don't think that there is any choice cate94 Dec 2011 #99

Right with you on this one... nradisic Dec 2011 #100

Therein lies the problem. Fantastic Anarchist Dec 2011 #101

I will vote for him, but RoccoR5955 Dec 2011 #103

Never Again RevRN Dec 2011 #104

Most moderate republicans are left of Obama.. 4dsc Dec 2011 #105

Really? Can you name one moderate repub (as if one exists)... Kahuna Dec 2011 #118

Have to agree kenfrequed Dec 2011 #142

I don't think the GWB comparisons are accurate, but I can see a resemblance to GHWB. Romulox Dec 2011 #163

Nope. Daemonaquila Dec 2011 #106

I am to the left of Obama. n/t Le Taz Hot Dec 2011 #107

Still hoping someday he will join us randr Dec 2011 #109

Y/N. nt Romulox Dec 2011 #110

enthusiastic support Progressive dog Dec 2011 #112

I am, and I will. n/t Ian David Dec 2011 #114

Why would anyone answer this post with "No"? eilen Dec 2011 #115

I've read a lot of the meta-discussion. I think the admins are more broad minded Romulox Dec 2011 #116

yes and probably motely36 Dec 2011 #117

Same Here krucial Dec 2011 #119

I do want to hear my Tea Bagging Coworkers squeal Beavker Dec 2011 #121

I don't consider this a football game-yeah our team newspeak Dec 2011 #128

I wonder if he can get any really 'good' appointees in right now. Beavker Dec 2011 #319

I forget which is my left or right? Yon_Yonson Dec 2011 #123

Yes and Yes...I can't wait Not Me Dec 2011 #124

Yes and of course Dyedinthewoolliberal Dec 2011 #125

Real Roy Rolling Dec 2011 #126

Exactly MsLeopard Dec 2011 #127

WAY left of Obama mntleo2 Dec 2011 #129

I'm way to the left of Obama . . . ananda Dec 2011 #130

Yes I am and yes I will green917 Dec 2011 #131

yes and yes but I've been on the left of every president before and after my birth, with the Demonaut Dec 2011 #132

I am well to the left of Obama hifiguy Dec 2011 #133

i know i must be to the left of obama barbtries Dec 2011 #135

Yes and yes. nt. tosh Dec 2011 #136

An interesting question kenfrequed Dec 2011 #137

Yes I'm more left than Obama, and madmom Dec 2011 #138

Not a snowball's chance. Nyet. Nope. 528 hz Dec 2011 #139

this thread smells like teeny bopper crap: "who is more dreamy, Paul or John" type stuff datasuspect Dec 2011 #140

Didn't mean it that way. I know there have been lots of pro-Obama threads lately.. mvd Dec 2011 #148

I'm far, far left of Obama.... Scuba Dec 2011 #141

I do and I will. n/t racaulk Dec 2011 #143

Do we have any choice? primavera Dec 2011 #144

Left of Obama RobinA Dec 2011 #145

While I would like to agree, you're dead wrong. The Doctor. Dec 2011 #160

And so we boil to death by degrees primavera Dec 2011 #170

Every extra moment we can buy is a chance The Doctor. Dec 2011 #172

And what will we do to "derail this train to hell"? primavera Dec 2011 #252

Voting is not the only thing we are doing. The Doctor. Dec 2011 #271

that's it, do we have any choice? newspeak Dec 2011 #201

Of course we have a choice. The Doctor. Dec 2011 #302

You will blame us for exercizing our democratic rights and hoping for a choice? Fantastic Anarchist Dec 2011 #286

Not at all. The Doctor. Dec 2011 #296

First of all, sir ... Fantastic Anarchist Dec 2011 #298

It would behoove you to notice, sir... The Doctor. Dec 2011 #301

I agree with those on your list ... Fantastic Anarchist Dec 2011 #304

Indeed we are. The Doctor. Dec 2011 #309

It does sort of seem like something's gone wrong here primavera Dec 2011 #310

How would far-right wignuts march the country into fascism? DutchLiberal Dec 2011 #311

You think *this* is fascism? The Doctor. Dec 2011 #313

If you don't think this is fascism, you're being delusional... DutchLiberal Dec 2011 #315

Wow. If you truly believe that all of our Democrats are fascists, The Doctor. Dec 2011 #318

Yes and yes (reluctantly) eom tledford Dec 2011 #146

agreed n/t mlevans Dec 2011 #147

I'll be pulling the lever for Obama - GoneOffShore Dec 2011 #149

I am to the left of Obama emulatorloo Dec 2011 #150

We are and yes... Tikki Dec 2011 #151

Yes and Yes relayerbob Dec 2011 #152

I sit on his left by virtue of his circumstances... The Doctor. Dec 2011 #153

If we don't connecticut yankee Dec 2011 #154

Yes and Yes n/t wryter2000 Dec 2011 #155

Yes and Yes - n/t obietiger Dec 2011 #156

I think you're asking the wrong question frazzled Dec 2011 #157

... The Doctor. Dec 2011 #167

I have been to the left of EVERY democratic presidential candidate since I could vote chemp Dec 2011 #158

Same here emulatorloo Dec 2011 #169

yes to both. La Lioness Priyanka Dec 2011 #159

Yes crim son Dec 2011 #161

Marxist for Obama, checking in. McCamy Taylor Dec 2011 #164

I consider myself and everyone else ... T S Justly Dec 2011 #165

Reality Check: Obama Job Approval amount Republicans 15 percent, Dems 82 per cent emulatorloo Dec 2011 #177

Are progressive Democrats even responding to your poll? T S Justly Dec 2011 #192

First, you are not the arbiter of what makes a Democrat a "true democrat" emulatorloo Dec 2011 #216

Nor are you or any other person I know of. The rest of your characterization of my post ... T S Justly Dec 2011 #245

Your post seemed to imply that your believe Obama's support comes from Republicans emulatorloo Dec 2011 #290

I admit that's what I meant. But, only so far as the GOP's support for "bi-partisan" ... T S Justly Dec 2011 #294

... emulatorloo Dec 2011 #305

I'm to the left of Obama. I'm very disappointed in his presidency. I will vote for him. Martin Eden Dec 2011 #166

No need for the drama. Just vote for the man. MjolnirTime Dec 2011 #168

yes & yes n/t Little Star Dec 2011 #173

I'm Wellstone left of Obama. All Dem presidents during my life are left of him, couple of Repubs. unc70 Dec 2011 #174

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to the left, and no, won't be voting for him. Fiendish Thingy Dec 2011 #178

When you continue to vote for the lesser nineteen50 Dec 2011 #179

Yes and Yes... jimlup Dec 2011 #181

"Hope" is the leading to fascism. Republicans move right, democrats play follow the leader... scentopine Dec 2011 #182

Exactly. nt freedom fighter jh Dec 2011 #210

You are correct, Democratic Ideals have nothing to do with party leadership anymore Dragonfli Dec 2011 #239

That would depend on the issue DissedByBush Dec 2011 #183

Not sure if Iam left of Obama but I fully suppor the President liberal N proud Dec 2011 #184

I am to the left...and yes I will support Obama Tippy Dec 2011 #185

Yes and I knew he was centrist the first time drmeow Dec 2011 #186

How far is left? ramparts Dec 2011 #188

of course I will vote for him Tumbulu Dec 2011 #189

I'm left of pretty much everyone cmd Dec 2011 #190

I don't consider myself "to The Left of Obama." bvar22 Dec 2011 #191

Yes and Yes. NOLALady Dec 2011 #193

I am left of him sorrybushisfromtexas Dec 2011 #194

Yes and Yes ProfessorGAC Dec 2011 #196

I'm to his left and I will vote for him. Demoiselle Dec 2011 #199

I really like this reasoned and level headed approach to criticism and strategy stevenleser Dec 2011 #202

I do, and hell yeah, I will DFW Dec 2011 #203

yes x2 geckosfeet Dec 2011 #204

Any real Democrat zentrum Dec 2011 #205

Why would you put people on the spot with this thread? DainBramaged Dec 2011 #206

Good question! Wind Dancer Dec 2011 #218

I think it this thread helps through the recent horseshit going on in GD emulatorloo Dec 2011 #219

Why not? Major Hogwash Dec 2011 #250

Of course, weed out those of us who are to the left of the new Reagan administration......... DainBramaged Dec 2011 #270

Ah-ha!! Major Hogwash Dec 2011 #280

yes and my other options are????? dembotoz Dec 2011 #208

I will have to vote for Barack. subterranean Dec 2011 #215

For my part I will vote for whoever vows to stop all wars including the drug wars, vows to ooglymoogly Dec 2011 #222

you are going to get skewed results with this straw poll a2liberal Dec 2011 #223

I'm to the left and support president Obama enthusiastically n/t Politicub Dec 2011 #224

wayyy left of Obama wwytchwood Dec 2011 #225

I am left of President Obama and I will support him because I am a hell of a lot more left of anyone jwirr Dec 2011 #227

Not sure and probably not freedom fighter jh Dec 2011 #228

What your writing here demonstrates.... FrenchieCat Dec 2011 #231

Please support your generalizations freedom fighter jh Dec 2011 #234

Post removed Post removed Dec 2011 #244

That's what it feels like. freedom fighter jh Dec 2011 #249

What is astounding to me is Puglover Dec 2011 #251

So do I tend to tear back. freedom fighter jh Dec 2011 #257

"You are free to vote for whoever we tell you to vote for!" Fantastic Anarchist Dec 2011 #287

you're forgetting the part about there being politics involved and relative bargaining power of certainot Dec 2011 #253

I agree with you about radio freedom fighter jh Dec 2011 #261

not voting gave us 2010 and most of this obstruction and 2 more years lost on global warming certainot Dec 2011 #267

with un abashed pragmatic enthusiam mikekohr Dec 2011 #229

I'm left of Obama (and every other nationally electable candidate). I'll DEFINITELY vote for him IF Texas Lawyer Dec 2011 #230

Yes, I'm way to the left of him but will support him. OnionPatch Dec 2011 #232

Far to the left of Obama but will be both working and voting for him..Consider the Supreme Court, whathehell Dec 2011 #233

Yes and Yes Seedersandleechers Dec 2011 #235

Yes/No FedUp_Queer Dec 2011 #236

I know some Republicans that are to the left of Obama but they aren't running... Fair Witness Dec 2011 #237

Hard left bitchkitty Dec 2011 #240

More left, yes..support, yes workinclasszero Dec 2011 #241

I do and still, I will siligut Dec 2011 #242

I do and I will! With Enthusiasm! SunSeeker Dec 2011 #246

Yep, that's me, today. bobthedrummer Dec 2011 #247

I do and I will. boxman15 Dec 2011 #248

Flypaper. AtomicKitten Dec 2011 #255

Yes and no. truebrit71 Dec 2011 #258

I like turtles. n/t SaveOurDemocracy Dec 2011 #259

where is he sitting right now? snooper2 Dec 2011 #260

Yes, yes. I hope to get more progressives in Congress. JDPriestly Dec 2011 #262

Way, Way To The Left Of Him But.... colsohlibgal Dec 2011 #265

no Hanks Dec 2011 #266

Yes and defnitely yes solara Dec 2011 #269

I'm further to the left than I originally thought, but I'm still voting for him. OverBurn Dec 2011 #272

which Obama? BobbyBoring Dec 2011 #275

You're a moderate centrist? joshcryer Dec 2011 #276

yes and yes Warren Stupidity Dec 2011 #277

yes and no rawbean Dec 2011 #278

I am fifthoffive Dec 2011 #279

Yes And Not Many Options For Progressives cantbeserious Dec 2011 #289

I am certainly left of the President. I will vote against the Republicans. MrSlayer Dec 2011 #292

I agree with everything in your post except the part about Obama being incrementalist vs. centrist. yardwork Dec 2011 #293

Yes and no cpwm17 Dec 2011 #299

upset but supporting existentialist Dec 2011 #300

I've come to realize I'm a Bernie Sanders socialist. Vinca Dec 2011 #314

There's no choice in the matter, but I'll vote for him anyways. Neoma Dec 2011 #317

Yes and yes...nt StopTheNeoCons Dec 2011 #320

The sky is blue. Rex Dec 2011 #321