Obama a Partisan President

I'm curious, was he partisan when he reached out to the GOP in his campaigning, inauguration speech, or state of the union? Granted he was a little less warm in the state of the union, but at that point he had been rebuked and ignored by the GOP.

This is the town drunk at the end of the bar pointing at the guy who's a little tipsy and mentioning that he shouldn't drive.

The repubs made it very clear at the beginning that they wanted healthcare reform to fail, NOT because of what was in the bill, BUT because that would mean a major defeat for POTUS and then they would have leverage going into 2012.

It didn't happen and now they are crying like a bunch of toddlers and pointing fingers at everyone but themselves....

Partisanship WAS created by the repubs....remember the Knewt and his clan?

A leader brings people together and has to not only extend an olive branch but embrace and compromise. Words are cheap. He says one thing and does another.

The Country is more polarized now than ever before in my lifetime. Those who have the power have to act as the uniter not the other way around.

A leader brings people together and has to not only extend an olive branch but embrace and compromise. Words are cheap. He says one thing and does another.

The Country is more polarized now than ever before in my lifetime. Those who have the power have to act as the uniter not the other way around.

Can you at least see that you feel this way because you disagree with his policies? Can you understand that there are many, many people who felt this way when the previous administration was waging wars that were perceived as nothing but a way to make money for political friends, and when the previous president made it clear that anyone who disagreed was not a real American and was aiding terrorism?

Reality is perception. Perception is reality.

AndrewG, I agree with much of what you said about qualities in a leader and the fact that we are so polarized. But I do not blame Obama and I truly believe he has tried to extend an olive branch on several occasions and that he has compromised a great deal (for example- he pretty much lead off healthcare bill "negotiations" by removing the public option).

I still believe that we are so divided as a country because of the campaign rhetoric of the last election. That one Obama was painted as Hitler who wasn't even born here and whom we should all be afraid of. So now it is possible for Republicans to even attempt to get anything done with him because they believe they are seen as working with Hitler.

We are a solidly divisive nation, but it began in the 90's for this go 'round. If you look at the Presidential elections from '96, you can clearly see the pattern and how it shifted. While Obama received more votes, previous presidents before were able to cross the aisle for support with much closer election results. For whatever reason, this Administration has a problem doing this, which could have more to do with Pelosi and Reid.

November can't come soon enough IMHO. We've swung to the far right and now over to the far left. It's time we set an even keel for a while.

I don't think we've swung to the far left at all. If we did, you would have seen single payer. But we don't even see a public option.

While I'm at it, we didn't actually swing far right either. Bush might have played to his base but Iraq war and tax cuts aside, he was no conservative. Lots of his social policies and his spending make his more a liberal than Obama...

We haven't swung to the far left or the far right in terms of actual policy in ages. The rhetoric is radical and polarizing. The actions are mild and represent the mushy indecisive middle more than anything.

The middle is easy to buy off. Real men or women of principle are endangered in congress.

I said it before obama won and I'll say it now: this country needs radicals. It needs bold changes. Corportatism works so well precisely because there are few extremists at the trough- few are principled enough to fight the corporate interests who dictate virtually all policies.

The health care bill is a good step but it would never have happened if it wasn't a massive corporate gift box.

We haven't swung to the far left or the far right in terms of actual policy in ages. The rhetoric is radical and polarizing. The actions are mild and represent the mushy indecisive middle more than anything.

The middle is easy to buy off. Real men or women of principle are endangered in congress.

I said it before obama won and I'll say it now: this country needs radicals. It needs bold changes. Corportatism works so well precisely because there are few extremists at the trough- few are principled enough to fight the corporate interests who dictate virtually all policies.

The health care bill is a good step but it would never have happened if it wasn't a massive corporate gift box.

I totally agree with everything you have written here EXCEPT that the healthcare bill is a "good step."

As far as "partisanship" what is wrong with that? Sounds alot like standing up for what you believe to me.

I would much prefer a liberal who acts like a liberal to someone who says he is conservative and then acts like a liberal. At least I know who I am fighting.

My issue with Obama is that he is a socialist but refuses to admit it.

I don't think we've swung to the far left at all. If we did, you would have seen single payer. But we don't even see a public option.

While I'm at it, we didn't actually swing far right either. Bush might have played to his base but Iraq war and tax cuts aside, he was no conservative. Lots of his social policies and his spending make his more a liberal than Obama...

The Force is strong in this one today.;-)

Geo, you are on the money with this post. When I read this I thought for a minute I had written it myself.

I will add though that conservatives take no ownership for the war. As many liberals voted for it as conservatives and both were wrong.

I totally agree with everything you have written here EXCEPT that the healthcare bill is a "good step."

As far as "partisanship" what is wrong with that? Sounds alot like standing up for what you believe to me.

I would much prefer a liberal who acts like a liberal to someone who says he is conservative and then acts like a liberal. At least I know who I am fighting.

My issue with Obama is that he is a socialist but refuses to admit it.

You just can't let that sound bite go can you?

We haven't swung to the far left or the far right in terms of actual policy in ages. The rhetoric is radical and polarizing. The actions are mild and represent the mushy indecisive middle more than anything.

The middle is easy to buy off. Real men or women of principle are endangered in congress.

I said it before obama won and I'll say it now: this country needs radicals. It needs bold changes. Corportatism works so well precisely because there are few extremists at the trough- few are principled enough to fight the corporate interests who dictate virtually all policies.

The health care bill is a good step but it would never have happened if it wasn't a massive corporate gift box.

Very true. Centrism ruled this bill which is why it's so funny to hear it called socialism when it has so many sweet meats for corporate America. Obama made a deal with the hospital lobby in JULY assuring them that the bill would have no public option. He's not pandering to progressives; frankly, he's pissing us off.

Why not use the full weight of reconciliation to put single payer back in?

Very true. Centrism ruled this bill which is why it's so funny to hear it called socialism when it has so many sweet meats for corporate America. Obama made a deal with the hospital lobby in JULY assuring them that the bill would have no public option. He's not pandering to progressives; frankly, he's pissing us off.

Why not use the full weight of reconciliation to put single payer back in?

lobbyists shape the agenda

You just can't let that sound bite go can you?

The truth shall set you free.

Once folks really understand what is in that health bill ...it will be interesting to see how the Democrats "spin it." I for one refuse, no matter what party I belong too..to not speak up when something is not right. As I listen, and try reading through the bill...it is becoming very clear...that there are many parts in it that smell, that are padded, and that are not good for America. There are some good things in it, but not sure they will out weight the bad. Seems like all the really good things happen right away, but the bad stuff comes years later.

We didn't elect a King and his court...we elected a president. A president that should listen to ALL Americans...and not push his agenda so fast that no one (not even him) knows what is in the bill he is signing. I really don't see a good leader, I do see a scrapper, a very political" guy, that has surrounded himself with some folks, who wish to radically change America, and break us financially. I see a man who is not afraid to say one thing and then do another. It is hard for me to put my faith in him to do the right thing because he can't even keep his word. He said what he needed to get elected and then he does what ever he wants...I hope and pray that he doesn't have a secret agenda, that we will discover too late.

You all. that are "straight up" Obama folks... as time goes by, will eventually have to put your talking point papers away and start thinking for yourselves. There is nothing wrong in admitting that something is not right, what is wrong is defending it when in your hearts and mind you know it was a mistake.

Once folks really understand what is in that health bill ...it will be interesting to see how the Democrats "spin it." I for one refuse, no matter what party I belong too..to not speak up when something is not right. As I listen, and try reading through the bill...it is becoming very clear...that there are many parts in it that smell, that are padded, and that are not good for America. There are some good things in it, but not sure they will out weight the bad. Seems like all the really good things happen right away, but the bad stuff comes years later.

We didn't elect a King and his court...we elected a president. A president that should listen to ALL Americans...and not push his agenda so fast that no one (not even him) knows what is in the bill he is signing. I really don't see a good leader, I do see a scrapper, a very political" guy, that has surrounded himself with some folks, who wish to radically change America, and break us financially. I see a man who is not afraid to say one thing and then do another. It is hard for me to put my faith in him to do the right thing because he can't even keep his word. He said what he needed to get elected and then he does what ever he wants...I hope and pray that he doesn't have a secret agenda, that we will discover too late.

You all. that are "straight up" Obama folks... as time goes by, will eventually have to put your talking point papers away and start thinking for yourselves. There is nothing wrong in admitting that something is not right, what is wrong is defending it when in your hearts and mind you know it was a mistake.

how long did they debate the issue? what did the republicans contribute?

Once folks really understand what is in that health bill ...it will be interesting to see how the Democrats "spin it." I for one refuse, no matter what party I belong too..to not speak up when something is not right. As I listen, and try reading through the bill...it is becoming very clear...that there are many parts in it that smell, that are padded, and that are not good for America. There are some good things in it, but not sure they will out weight the bad. Seems like all the really good things happen right away, but the bad stuff comes years later.

We didn't elect a King and his court...we elected a president. A president that should listen to ALL Americans...and not push his agenda so fast that no one (not even him) knows what is in the bill he is signing. I really don't see a good leader, I do see a scrapper, a very political" guy, that has surrounded himself with some folks, who wish to radically change America, and break us financially. I see a man who is not afraid to say one thing and then do another. It is hard for me to put my faith in him to do the right thing because he can't even keep his word. He said what he needed to get elected and then he does what ever he wants...I hope and pray that he doesn't have a secret agenda, that we will discover too late.

You all. that are "straight up" Obama folks... as time goes by, will eventually have to put your talking point papers away and start thinking for yourselves. There is nothing wrong in admitting that something is not right, what is wrong is defending it when in your hearts and mind you know it was a mistake.

I hate to break it to you, but your not the only one saying "hurray for our side".

..I hope and pray that he doesn't have a secret agenda, that we will discover too late.

Such as?

The moment progressives realize the Obama agenda is officially dead will be a great day.

In answer to Mellidee..."change" America and make us an European type government with a socialist type format...the government will be your Mama, your papa, and even that favorite aunt...they will take care of all your needs...you don't work for yourself...you work for the good of all. SHARE THAT WEALTH!!!!!!

In answer to Bob...a debate is only fair when the other side shares the ball. Closed doors, ignored requests, and having more players on one side so that the vote is always one way (THEIR WAY).. the Dems and their king enjoyed the "spit in your face"attitude, both to the Rebublicans in congress and to the American people. Usually lies and special deals aren't considered "facts or truths" in a debate.

Sam, don't know how to respond to you...because your comment left me confused.

In answer to Mellidee..."change" America and make us an European type government with a socialist type format...the government will be your Mama, your papa, and even that favorite aunt...they will take care of all your needs...you don't work for yourself...you work for the good of all. SHARE THAT WEALTH!!!!!!

In answer to Bob...a debate is only fair when the other side shares the ball. Closed doors, ignored requests, and having more players on one side so that the vote is always one way (THEIR WAY).. the Dems and their king enjoyed the "spit in your face"attitude, both to the Rebublicans in congress and to the American people. Usually lies and special deals aren't considered "facts or truths" in a debate.

Sam, don't know how to respond to you...because your comment left me confused.

Sam lives to confuse.

In answer to Mellidee..."change" America and make us an European type government with a socialist type format...the government will be your Mama, your papa, and even that favorite aunt...they will take care of all your needs...you don't work for yourself...you work for the good of all. SHARE THAT WEALTH!!!!!!

In answer to Bob...a debate is only fair when the other side shares the ball. Closed doors, ignored requests, and having more players on one side so that the vote is always one way (THEIR WAY).. the Dems and their king enjoyed the "spit in your face"attitude, both to the Rebublicans in congress and to the American people. Usually lies and special deals aren't considered "facts or truths" in a debate.

Sam, don't know how to respond to you...because your comment left me confused.

All I'm saying is that everybody thinks their side is right and will continue to rally their position, even when as in your case they are down for the count. My post was mainly in response to your remark "defending it when in your hearts and mind you know it was a mistake". Well you can't speak for others. Sometimes one's loss is somebody else's gain. Right now a lot of people are happy with the outcome and will be more and more pleased as time goes on. They are rightfully cheering even though you are disappointed. Clearly at this point in time you have nothing to cheer about I must concede.

What the heck is wrong with being partisan? Are we such a bunch of milquetoasts that we can't handle ideas that differ from our own? Our executive branch of government has been occupied by partisans from the beginning.

What the heck is wrong with being partisan? Are we such a bunch of milquetoasts that we can't handle ideas that differ from our own? Our executive branch of government has been occupied by partisans from the beginning.

I'm only half with you.

True- partisanship is nothing new. And certainly not all elected officials agree on every issue and we all need to be more tolerant of opposing/differing views.

But I take issue with congressmen and senators who put party first. I have a big problem with it when every single member of a party votes no (or yes) on something. There is no doubt in my mind that there were a few republicans who wanted to vote yes on the healthcare bill but didn't because they had to vote along party lines.

Then after voting along party lines (this is being partisan- duh) a Republican calls out the partisanship of the democratic president and frames it as being indicative of having a broken moral compass.