Fireside Chats

[WiffenPoof]

If nothing else, President Obama is a gifted speaker. He has the ability to inspire and motivate others.

It seems to me that Mr. Obama should have (and still could) use the bully pulpit to solidify support for the cause of the middle class.

Yes, I agree, that the President is not a king and cannot snap his fingers to get things done. No one is asking for that. What I would have expected from him was to address the American people on the subject of tax cuts and UI extension. Through a "fireside chat" President Obama could have challenged the Republicans and put them in a place where they would have had no choice but to negotiate in good faith.

As President, I would have told the Republicans that we will find the funding for UI extensions and you find the money to cover the tax cuts for the top 2%. This is a logical and understandable position to take and I believe the American people would support that approach.

This whole thing about not allowing anything to pass (or even be considered) unless the tax cut for the wealthy was addressed is completely win/win for the President. The Republican's unwillingness to consider other legislation unless they receive tax cuts for the wealthy is something that could have been framed as selfish and self-serving...not having the best interest of the middle class in mind.

Many here have stated that the bully pulpit is not effective in swaying elected officials. I disagree. Politicians have many priorities. However, it appears that their greatest priority is to retain power. Politicians are very sensitive to the will of the people. You may argue this. However, you cannot tell me that when the American people rise up and flood the communication channels with strong threats against the government, the politicians pay attention.

President Obama has the bully pulpit and an electorate that laregely agrees with the Democratic position. That is a very powerful combination.

He should be seen sitting behind his desk, looking the American people in the eye and telling them that we can be better than this...he could be frank and honest about the Republicans. I have enough faith in our President to believe that he could take control of the message and fulfill his promises to the American people.

-PLA

[COLGATE4]

1. In the past (and in many of my past posts) I agreed with you. But

now I am drawn to the inescapable conclusion that Obama has no interest whatsoever in using the bully pulpit. For reasons known only to him, he has become the triangulator-in-chief, playing one group off against another. I don't know of a single principle that he has fought for.

[WiffenPoof]

2. But You Agree...

that for any President, going directly to the people is an effective means of influencing legislation? Right?

-PLA

[Clio the Leo]

3. Ask and ye shall receive...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3uptxNtIag

(sorry, no actual fireplace, I'm not sure if there is one in the Blue Room, I'm too lazy to look)

Dont mean to be snarky, but I think we need to realize Americans dont get their news the same way they did in Truman's .... or even Clinton's time.

[WiffenPoof]

4. Okay...I got ya...

I might suggest that he make this speech during prime time.

[Clio the Leo]

5. lol but you realize there's like 5,000 channels available now?

Again, this is not your father's media environment. ;)

How'd that BP address go?