Obama's naive

[Onlooker]

Obama said, "Americans 'are looking to us to solve problems' rather than engage in 'political posturing.'"

(http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/12/06/obama-cuts-deal-to-extend-all-bush-tax-cuts-renew-unemployment/)

I think more than anything that statement exposes Obama's problem. He's simply naive. He and Michelle are living a children's fantasy of what the presidency is. Michelle is involved in all sorts of caring projects -- whether it's gardening, eating right, or celebrating Hannukah. Obama tries to run an honest and open government that's always looking to help people.

Those are wonderful goals, but so short-sighted. Obama doesn't understand that what America really wants is a lot of political posturing. It's a sport, and Americans want Obama to play the game and do what's necessary to lay the groundwork for ongoing liberalism. He needs to disgrace, discredit, and demolish the right wing by whatever legal means necessary, just as Republicans did to liberals in the 1980s and are trying to do again right now. Obama's is getting a few small short-term gains at the cost of massive long-term losses. But, the worst part is that he's refusing to validate liberalism, which will only strengthen the hand of Wall Street and the right wing.

[polichick]

1. I think you're right about what the people want - laying the groundwork...

...for ongoing liberalism/progress - but I don't think he's naive. imo he's just not a liberal, or even to the left of the corporate center.

[alcibiades_mystery]

2. I think what you're describing is actually the worst kind of short-termism

I agree short-termism is the problem, but the kind of posturing he's against is precisely a short-term operation. Sustaining the country in the new century requires more than symbolic validations. It requires actual policies. I think Obama is more grown up about this than many.

[sohndrsmith]

5. I agree. In an interview several weeks ago Obama made it clear that his

concern was for the long-term well-being of the country, even at the expense of his popularity among supporters and/or his ability to be reelected. Given the massive, non-stop opposition fighting him, his battle is so hard that its being "uphill" would be a breeze in comparison. Hopefully, the good this president is able to do will be appreciated in lasting, not temporary terms... but man, does he have a Herculean fight on his hands...

[XemaSab]

3. He seems to be engaging in the kind of "problem-solving" that only makes everything worse

If the house is built on a cracking foundation, adding another story to it may look like progress, but it only makes the problem worse.

Right now Barack's adding whole WINGS to the thing. :(

[Cali_Democrat]

4. Obama is validating conservatism

By signing a bill that will extend the tax cuts for the wealthy Americans, Obama is affirming trickle down Reaganomics.

[Laelth]

6. I agree with the OP. k&r n/t

-Laelth