Do you think Obama should directly address the Occupy Wall Street protesters from the Oval Office?

[Cali_Democrat]

Poll question: Do you think Obama should directly address the Occupy Wall Street protesters from the Oval Office?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I do not.

I think he should go to Wall Street, and talk to them directly.

The Oval Office is for official announcements.

[Tarheel_Dem]

9. If you're not an "organizer" of OWS, don't you think it would be a bit presumptive...

to just show up & address a gathering you haven't been invited to? And what of the other candidates? Don't you think they should be invited as well? :shrug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

12. Obama isn't just "anybody."

But I see your point...

I'm sure that if he wanted to speak to them, he could certainly get an invite from someone.

If the other candidates (you mean the Republicans?) want to speak to OWS, surely they could do the same.

:shrug:

[Tarheel_Dem]

16. If OWS wants to be taken seriously, they either invite all of them, or no one.

This shouldn't be "political". It's about our future, no matter who occupies the White House in 2013. Going there would only be seen as campaigning, and therefore easily marginalized, like the Tea Party. It should be above that, despite the Ron Paul signs I've seen.

The president has expressed his support at a distance, and I think that's every bit as powerful as a personal appearance.

[Hutzpa]

43. Inviting all of them WILL make it political

what are you talking about.

[Tarheel_Dem]

46. Invite all of them, or none of them. Let me be clear, this movement...

should be about bringing in people of all political stripes. It should be apolitical, if you will. No one party, or one president can make the changes they're calling for. This has to be a group effort. I know some have suggested that the president try to score some political points by hitching his wagon to this movement, but doesn't that reduce the movement to just another political ploy? Or, at least that's how it will be portrayed by the M$M. Donald Trump's already trying to do that. I think the fastest way for the movement to lose it's momentum is for one politician or another to be seen as it's defacto "leader".

I'm listening to NPR right now, and Matt Bayh is talking about how the Tea Party was co-opted by K-Street, and they never knew what hit 'em. I want the protestors to speak to the issues that concern the 99%, and judging by the Ron Paul signs, not all of them are Democrats. I hope that makes my point better? :shrug:

[Hutzpa]

47. Why don't you try doing a poll to see how many of those

OWS protesters are democrats?

Seeing a few Ron Paul's supporters there does not make it a bi partisan protest.

Ron Paul protesters are suggesting the invasion of the FED building while the OWS are
protesting inequality in our economy. Two completely different agendas.

[Tarheel_Dem]

49. Hutzpa, we probably aren't that far apart. I don't have to any polling.

I know how this movement started out, and I want the original intent of the organizers to be protected. I'm not really sure why we're arguing. Some think the president should insert himself in this movement, and I disagree. I'm willing to bet that Pres. O is much closer to the protesters "on the issues" than any of his Republican opponents, but from a PR standpoint, the movement should remain apolitical and get Congress onboard for the change that's needed. I think the President's already there. :shrug:

[Hutzpa]

50. Tarheel

let me apologize for coming off a little apoplectic... lol


Agreed on all your points, I just think we might be playing a little too cautious here
in saying this might backfire on him the president. He is the one that is much more closer
to OWS than any of his counterpart, I think where you and I differ is on the spin from the
M$M, whereas some are being a little too mindful of how the media will try to spin it.

The focus should be on media spin more so than him showing up.

That is why I'm suggesting he show up as one of them (OWS) instead of making a big speech, being
there and interacting with them will say more about his empathy than any of his counterparts.

[Tarheel_Dem]

51. I think we're getting closer to agreement. However, I still disagree that he

should "show up", unless explicitly invited by the organizers. You and I both know the M$M controls what America sees. I'm still listening to NPR, and a guy who claims to be a 911 Truther just called in to weigh in on his involvement in the movement. Why he was given airtime is beyond me. But this is the kind of thing that will be used to marginalize OWS. You and I don't get to cherrypick who the M$M focuses on to delegitimize OWS.

I'm just saying there may be some things taking place there that you & I may not want the POTUS to be associated with, but the media will do its utmost to link any negatives to this president. Never underestimate the power of saboteurs. :hi:

[Hutzpa]

53. Explicitly Invited by the organizers

I wonder how will that play out.

The downside is you can always count on M$M to blind side you, but point well taken.

I also think that he can make the case for his jobs act bill, but I like how you think.

:hi:

[yurbud]

52. I would like to see what would happen if the others showed up.

[Cali_Democrat]

13. Go to Wall Street and address the protesters directly?

Interesting idea. Very interesting.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

15. I thought so.

That's why I said it.

:hi:

[tblue]

20. It's the Wall Street puppetmasters he needs to talk to. .

He should get some investigations going on these contrived foreclosures, with a threat of sanctions, announce a mandatory order to restructure campaign finances, and do all he can to bring down the hammer on BP, Massey Mines, Clarence Thomas, NewsCorp, and these frackers. He should immediately yank the Bush tax cuts for fat cats and that ridiculous tar sands deal, the EPA reg deal, and that dastardly new free trade agreement. Just for starters. I think then most folks at OWS would go home happy.

This is what I expec of my Fantasy Obama. You and I both know he doesn't exist.

[Number23]

30. This post is hilarious

Oh Lordy, thank you for this...

You want the president to "bring down the hammer" on a Supreme Court Justice? And on two foreign companies? You want the president to "restructure campaign finances?"

I always wonder what people are talking about when they say "you don't want a president, you want a king." Thanks to you and your post, I now know exactly what they are talking about.

[SkyDaddy7]

31. Exactly! Except one question...

Where does "Fantasy Obama" get his Official POTUS Magic Wand?

[dionysus]

40. the SS can't screen something like OWS, it won't happen.

[CakeGrrl]

2. For what purpose? He's already positively acknowledged their protest.

[Cali_Democrat]

5. A primetime address from the Oval Office...

...that would be very powerful.

[Skittles]

6. HE IS PART OF THE PROBLEM

[tblue]

10. Oh Skittles.....

So true. People have been mighty patient. We thought and/or hoped the '08 election would kick start desperately needed systemic change. But no. And finally, there are just too many people hurt with no law to protect them, no recourse available to keep them above water, and no sense of urgency from on high. So there's this mass rude awakening that has galvanized the masses into this movement. People get it at last. If Obama was even a part of the answer, OWS wouldn't be necessary.

[Skittles]

19. I think the severe disappointment over Obama pushed 'em over the edge

yes INDEED

[emilyg]

24. Your last sentence says it all.

[woo me with science]

28. You nailed it.

Nailed it.

[jefferson_dem]

37. Besides...Where'z his birf certifikat?!1!???!!!!!(one)

[Name removed]

56. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[dionysus]

59. ELEVENS!11!1!11!11

[BklnDem75]

7. In what way?

Are we down to criticizing where he says something? Simply making his position known isn't enough anymore?

[bluestateguy]

3. No.

That would go over about as well as Richard Nixon's late night trip to visit anti-war demonstrators at the Lincoln Memorial.

[Skittles]

4. no

his collaborating with people who helped crash the economy helped to fuel the anger that sparked OWS

[tblue]

8. Only if he will take immediate action in response to their demands

otherwise he'd just be talking and, if that was all OWS wanted, they wouldn't be in the street right now. "I understand their frustration" is really just a pat on the back. It's way past frustration and I don't believe he does understand.

[Tarheel_Dem]

11. Ever take a civics lesson?

:eyes:

[dionysus]

57. oh no you didn't.....

you did...


:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Tarheel_Dem]

58. And here I thought we were smarter than teabaggers. I never cease to be amazed.

;)

[Tarheel_Dem]

14. Are you an organizer? Is this an official invitation? Some folks have shown up,

to show their solidarity, only to be booed, and/or snubbed. I'm not sure why you think this is worthy of an official Oval Office address. There are various protests around the country everyday, should he carve out time to address them all?

Should he have addressed the Tea Party? Tell OWS to check out whitehouse.gov, there's a lot of good stuff there. As much as I empathize with OWs, not everything warrants a national address.

[Cali_Democrat]

18. Perhaps you should read the poll question again

The OP is not an official invitation to President Obama.

It's a poll question on DU asking whether or not you think Obama should directly address the Occupy Wall Street protesters from the Oval Office.

[Tarheel_Dem]

22. I notice you didn't broadcast your answer.

:eyes:

[cherokeeprogressive]

17. The President is one-third of this country's government.

To suggest he go to a demonstration against the system that put him in office and show his support for it seems a little bit giddy.

[tblue]

21. It ain't never gonna happen.

His former COS is giving them hell in Chicago. I think they're actually just not that into the 99%ers.

[Petrushka]

23. No. The protesters are already being called "Obama's Army" conscripted to occupy the free world.

See:

http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/41338

[provis99]

25. ewww. What a right-wing psychopath.

She makes Ann Coulter look good.

[Petrushka]

38. Reading her readers' comments makes an Axis Sally look better! (eom)

[boppers]

26. They can totally watch him on their televisions!

Uh, wait.

There seems to be a disconnect here.

In a very literal sense.

[Poll_Blind]

27. I think he should directly address the AFL-CIO and other unions about his free trade trifecta.

PB

[Sherman A1]

29. If he can take time to address the issue of his birth certificate

that the Donald raised to a media campaign, it may very well be time to address the OWS movement. I don't think the Oval Office is the best choice, but perhaps he could move on some of their issues such as announcing a full investigation of the bank fraud and some tough new regulations by executive order (maybe just having the IRS show up for a few audits).

He has alluded in the past that if the people wanted him to push for something they should hold him accountable, well OWS seems to be doing so....

[Douglas Carpenter]

32. no, at least not for now

It is important I believe for the OSW movement to maintain a sense of non-partisan independence - at least for now. At this time I don't think it would either help him or help the OWS movement. There are accusations from the right that his forces are behind the movement and there are accusations from the left that his forces are trying to co-op the movement. It would be best for both the OWS movement and President Obama that they maintain some friendly distance.

[Petrushka]

34. Exactly!

:kick:

[jeanpalmer]

33. What would he tell them?

They're pissed at the bankers and what they've done to the country. Obama has taken fistfuls of campaign cash from them and caters to them. Doesn't seem like he would have much to say.

[rosesaylavee]

35. Only when a specific OWS inspired policy change is to be promoted.

Until then, let OWS receive his support from a distance as the work groups work out what that policy could be.

The GOP meme this week is that Obama is orchestrating this - no doubt in his spare time as you know, he's a Marxist/Fascist/Commie who has designs to take over the world. :eyes: So better not to play into that ridiculous meme and give them any ammunition.

[jefferson_dem]

36. Fuck no.

That would be beyond foolish for him and counter-productive for the movement.

[LiberalFighter]

39. If he speaks about this in an address it should be directed towards

the 1% but mostly to the Republican Congress refusing to pass legislation that will allow jobs to be created.

[phleshdef]

41. I can't believe people are saying the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES should not address...

...a national movement that is airing its grievances all across the country.

Thats like saying the operator shouldn't answer the phone.

Or like God shouldn't answer prayer (I'm not religious, its just an analogy).

He is the PRESIDENT. Its actually his JOB to answer the voices of the people when they are raised this boldly in unity.

I'm not sure that he necessarily needs to do it with an Oval Office address. But if he wanted to, thats his damn RIGHT. No one should be telling the god damn President of the United States that he shouldn't address the nation when so many of its people are coming together in an organized fashion and calling out to government to change a situation where the country is not working for them. Really, who the hell do some people think they are to tell the President something like that? I don't care if its President Obama or President Kucinich or President Rush Limbaugh (haha), Presidents GET to do that sort of thing and there is no valid criticism against the idea of the President addressing the public, for ANY reason they damn well want. You might as well be criticizing him for breathing. Its utterly ridiculous.

I hope he embraces and "co-opts" this movement as much as he possibly can, in campaign AND policy. I hope he does it. I hope it becomes the primary catalyst behind his 2012 run. And all the wailing and gnashing of teeth and tearing of garments coming from the pouty corner of the left will not deter me from enjoying every moment if it goes down that way.

[stevenleser]

48. "Its actually his JOB to answer the voices of the people when they are raised this boldly in unity"

Exactly.

[rug]

42. No.

And the words that are used
For to get the ship confused
Will not be understood as they're spoken
For the chains of the sea
Will have busted in the night
And will be buried at the bottom of the ocean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhzPoR5a1Ew

[Sheepshank]

44. I'm glad he has acknowledged them.

But to speak "to" them and by implication of his office "for" them would be a mistake imho. This movment is not just about politics and making it so would be a grave error. It would be a mistake to lead ANYONE to assume any sort of partisanship on this movement. Obama speaking to the crowd, to be interpreted as if he were on some sort of conversion to Dem "mission", will be doing all the wrong things.

[polichick]

45. No, but I think it might be a good idea to speak to the nation from the Oval Office...

...about the obstructionists in Congress if they keep standing in the way of the jobs bill.

[workinclasszero]

54. What would he say? Talk is cheap.

OWS is taking clubs and pepper spray. Sucker punches and ridicule from the MSM. They are sleeping out in the open with winter on the way to show their love of freedom, their love of their fellow man.

The president and both political parties need to shut up, sit down and watch the tide of history turn right before their eyes!

[Jakes Progress]

55. No. Do something instead of just saying something.

If he's not going to do something direct and dramatic (fire timmy) then just keep quiet. It is not his movement.