Reply #72: I agree with everything you said until the end

[mochajava666]

Have you read his book? If not, I would recommend getting it in audio book form. It's great, because he reads it himself. You can feel his passion through his reading. After reading that book, I am more inclined to think that he is determined to change the way Washington works more than anything else. He talks about how much he enjoyed campaigning in very rural, very red areas of Illinois because he was always so moved by how much all Americans have in common. He really believes that whole red, blue, purple state thing. He refuses to realize that when you make a 50-50 deal with an idiot that means you harm, good things aren't likely to be the result.

One obstacle that stops him from making deals has been an energized left wing that has finally seen the presidency and both houses of congress solidly Democratic. They don't want ineffective half measures, and I think Obama doesn't want anything that is perceived as blue legislation and not purple legislation. Therefore, if the left is further marginalized, his agenda of changing the way Washington works is much easier.