Relating to Obama
03 February 2010 2:30 pm by Taylor Marsh
So, to crunch the numbers, GOP primary turnout is up 11% over 2004. Democratic turnout has dropped 29%. If the Democrats let health care reform die, they’ll be looking at a turnout cataclysm. – Jonathan Chait
via New Republic
I have been writing about Obama’s empathy and connection gap for years. As president, it’s gotten worse, morphing into a credibility and competence gap, especially after last year’s bank bailout and his cozying up to Wall Street, not to mention the appointments of Geithner and Summers. The result a new talking point from traditional media questioning whether the Senate is now in play. Biden’s seat may go, Obama’s too, with Teddy’s already in GOP hands. So, after Obama’s first year, where he was viewed as completely out of touch, seen to be sitting behind the White House gates while Congress struggled and fumbled over health care, which ended up being handed to the right after Democrats bungled the policy and the messaging, Obama’s finding himself in the position of trying to re-connect to three different groups: his own party elected, his base, but also a group he had trouble with back during the primaries. The Washington Post reflects the latter today in “Despite his roots, Obama struggles to show he’s connected to middle class.”
… .. during his campaign for the presidency, Obama bungled some of his early attempts to connect with blue-collar workers, complaining about the price of arugula at Whole Foods and visiting a bowling alley only to roll an embarrassing score of 37. Some political rivals continue to disparage him as an elitist. Even his aides have sometimes worried that his intellect can be mistaken for condescension and that his composure can seem like detachment.
Those shortcomings were evident last month when Obama invited the previous two presidents to join him at the White House for a news conference about the U.S. relief effort in Haiti. George W. Bush was simple and frank: “Just send us your cash,” he said. Bill Clinton spoke without notes and verged on tears as he recalled his personal connection to the devastated country: “I have no words to say what I feel,” he said. “I had meals with people who are dead.” Obama, meanwhile, spoke from prepared notes, looking all business, glancing to his left and to his right to establish eye contact while standing with perfect posture behind the lectern.
In the two weeks since, Obama appears to have learned from his predecessors’ trademark strengths. He has traveled to Ohio, Baltimore, Florida and New Hampshire, each time emphasizing how much he enjoys leaving the strictures of the White House and the divisiveness of Washington. Like Clinton, he has told stories about his own struggles, recalling the 15 years he spent paying off student loans and the “family emergency” that forced him to cash out his 401(k). Like Bush, he has favored simple language and relatable analogies. ….
Obama’s comment about Las Vegas, the second one he’s made about Sin City, was simply tone deaf. A “slow learner” was Mayor Goodman’s swipe at Pres. Obama today. With Harry Reid in big trouble, it was the equivalent to a Kerryism. Ask Gore about the importance of 5 electoral votes. Looking at Virginia now as opposed to 2008, it’s going to be tough for Obama and Dems, as seen through the state legislature’s vote on health care. Evan Bayh is also getting a solid challenger in Indiana, making the forecast ahead a fight, although Bayh’s big bucks already banked will help.
Finding Obama in New Hampshire, as he begins traveling more outside D.C., the campaign for 2012 is starting early. There’s only one reason for that and it’s that Obama’s behind the 8 ball, with people no longer recognizing the guy they elected. Though that’s basically because many voters attributed things to Obama that didn’t apply.
Meanwhile, Obama tries to rev up elected Dems, some of whom are in serious trouble, telling them that they still have hunker down to get health care and other hard policies passed. But right now the atmosphere feels like every Dem for him- or herself, so I’m also not so sure if anyone is likely to listen to a presidential lecture at this point. Because it’s hard to follow Obama’s lead in the current climate when he’s the one who allowed the health care debate spin out of control in the first place. It’s become a matter of distrust.
As for voters, why Democrats aren’t showing up at the polls is bigger. Distrust turned to disgust.
The moral of this short political story (so far) is that not having an ideological compass can win in a change election year, especially with someone like Barack Obama who is so congenially likable, with rhetorical gifts beyond the average. But once elected you’ve got to govern with a compass immediately out of the gate. Obama still hasn’t found his, with Democrats now taking their fate into their own hands, because there’s been too little leadership coming way too late.
“Present.”
the party must pass legislation here. urgently. dire. they arent governing. pass something already. pass a jobs bill. hcr. energy. i pray things turn around here. after months of bashing my party now i find myself praying for something to boost em. looks like im comming home in 2010 – the gop is freaking me out.
“If the Democrats let health care reform die, they’ll be looking at a turnout cataclysm.” Chiat
But if HCR passes they should not rest on their laurels and be assured of victory either.
IMHO, It would depend on WHAT they pass. If the final bill is the senate bill or some semblance thereof, then it’s an excuse for reform and the base will be sorely distressed and may continue its disenchantment. They may sit the election out. Why fight for him if he refuses to fight for you?
I have always believed that I had a moral duty to vote and to vote Democratic. As things stand now, I know I will not vote for Obama. I also know I will never vote for his opponent, but I will not reward him with my vote for what I feel was an abject betrayal.
Fortunately for him, my state is deep blue.
It’s about what kind of health care they’ll pass in the reconciliation sidecar, as it’s called. The Senate bill is political suicide. But what I’m reading & hearing about “the fix” is awful, too, and I’m not sure Bayh, Lincoln, et al. will be on board this time. They’ll get creamed over it. It’s really quite an astonishing mess.
Everyone is praying for something to boost Dems, t4h. But until they get their act together, understand the message voters sent in Mass., while committing to policy that’s good & needed, they won’t win any applause from most. Frankly, they shouldn’t.
Taylor Marsh says:
03 February 2010 at 2:53 pm
“It’s really quite an astonishing mess.”
Absolutely correct. Obama is doing a lot of TALKING. He is encouraging others to lead, but he is not leading.
He is still vague, and refuses to get involved and give clear direction to his troops. He talks tough, but its still compromise, conciliation, bi-partisanship. In other words, NOTHING HAS CHANGED.
Its all just show. He’s still not ruffling the feathers of his beloved centrists. And that’s the plan we’ll get in the end, one that the Insurance companies love, and Progressives detest.
Last I heard they were talking to Snowe again. Sick.
I heard last night that Snowe was bragging about negotiating in bad faith and helping to slow and kill the bill. Seems out of character from what little I know of her.
I can’t believe that the elected Dems have any trust in him. I have seen them too many times absolutely flummoxed at what to say about the whole debacle.
When Lynn Sweet was reporting on the IL primaries last night she made the comment that Obama was surrounded by people who were supposed to know a thing or two about winning in IL and yet there was nothing happening on the ground as far as Dems go. She went on to say the Repubs are in IL big time and were having a big celebration last night.Dems nada.
If Dem turnout has dropped 29% why do all these polls have him so high with his base?
Let’s try some more relating:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/03/obama-calls-out-conservat_n_447697.html
Obama Calls Out Conservative Democrats For Their Timidity
Just as President Obama’s appearance before the House Republican caucus last Friday gave him an opportunity to push back against some of the most outlandish conservative caricatures of his presidency, his visit with Senate Democrats on Wednesday morning allowed him to confront, head on and in public, the timidity and centrism from within his own party.
In one key exchange this morning, Obama rebuked pleas from Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) that he moderate his agenda and work with Republicans to ease the current state of economic uncertainty.
Lincoln described a constituent who she said was “extremely frustrated because there was a lack of certainty and predictability from his government for him to be able to run his businesses.”
She asked: “Are we willing, as Democrats, not only to reach out to Republicans, but to push back in our own party for people who want extremes, and look for the common ground that’s going to get us the success that we need not only for our constituents, but for our country, in this global community, in this global economy?”
“Look,” said Obama, “there’s no doubt that this past year’s been an uncertain time for the American people, for businesses and for people employed by businesses. Some of that uncertainty just had to do with the objective reality of this economy entering into a free fall…
“Let’s remind ourselves that if you’ve got an economy suddenly contracting by 6 percent or a loss of trillions of dollars of wealth basically in the blink of an eye, where home values are descending by 20 percent, that that’s going to create a whole lot of uncertainty out there, in the business environment and among families. …
“And part of what we’ve done, over the course of this year, is to put a floor under people’s feet. That’s what the Recovery Act did.”
the problem is Obama. he’s not presidential material. he’s a part time college lecturer and it shows with his lack of work ethic and his professorly lectures. The party is just going to have to take the coming blood bath. I just don’t see anyway to stop it at this point. Like the poster above says, Obama might talk tough but he ALWAYS caves in. Really, i think the best thing for the cournty right now is for him to step down. His own base gave him a vote of no confidence in MA.
I did like his answer to Lincoln.I really think these Blue Dogs should consider just being Republicans.I know that would screw up our majority but what good has it been?I know chairmenships and control of the agenda, but ask I ask again,where has it gotten us?
djjl says:
03 February 2010 at 4:07 pm
Djjl, Interesting. When I read the HuffPo story it reminded me of his 60MTS appearance where he made a big show of calling out the bankers.
The next day, I know you recall, he met with a few bankers (those who chose to show up) at the WH, and it was reported that he was not half as tough or as scolding as he was on 60 mts.
His words mean nothing to me anymore. I am waiting for ACTION from Obama.
Would especially like to see him do something that reflects courage.
Well, ain’t it great that he rebuked Senator Lincoln who has Republicans salivating state wide smelling her Senatorial blood in the water – Thanks in NO SMALL PART to Obama who chose to provide NO LEADERSHIP. Please don’t tell me about Blue Dogs when we’ve got the biggest Blue Dog of all sitting in the WH. Don’t tell me about my Arkansas blue dogs when the person who occupies the Presidency could not see a way to spend ONE SINGLE CAMPAIGN stop in this state. Even Charlie Cook, commented on how strange it was that Obama could legitimize visiting other states and not the bluest of the southern states – Arkansas.
As was noted here recently “people like to be asked” for their vote. for their support. So, I just don’t take kindly to shin kicking those who’ve been battling the Huckster – you know him as the much adored Mike Huckabee…and the Rove crew.
I don’t know Obama’s trying to impress – frankly why didn’t he do something like this long time ago – before all the curtsying to Snowe and Collins. It sickens me to hear what they have to say lately – all encouraged by the POTUS who feels happy to backhand Democrats – be they the likely lost Lincoln or the progressives Rahm calls fxxxn retards.
My theory about Obama is that he has read and memorized Dale Carnegie inside and out, so he could play the game, be non threatening to whites, and get to where he is. However, as President he DOES have to take stands, lead, and, yes, disagree with some people. That does not square with his previous training and experience. I also think that since as Obama knows well, nothing threatens many whites more than an angry black man, he simply learned to repress all emotion in public, and doesn’t know how to use his emotion where it would do his cause good. It may be there with family and longtime friends behind closed doors but not where he needs it on the job. I could understand that he has gotten so used to hiding it, at least in public, that he can’t let it out in those instances where letting it out would be fitting and proper.
I don’t know we causes you to believe he’s hiding anything.
Excuse me
I don’t know what causes you do believe he is hiding anything.
In one key exchange this morning, Obama rebuked pleas from Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) that he moderate his agenda and work with Republicans to ease the current state of economic uncertainty.
———
It’s so funny looking at some of these arrogant Dems running for cover. Since the election of Scott Brown, they have been trying to find a way out of this mess. Looks like Blanche Lincoln has found religion (not that it’s going to save her)but Obama still hasn’t. I guess he’s got a high tolerance for punishment. I think he’s going to get it. And our president is not helping his fellow Dems–he can’t. They are on their own. It’s going to be everyman for himself. God help ‘em.
Interesting theory sunlight. Shelby Steele describes it as being a bargainer.His bargain is …I will not hold the crimes against black people against you if you will ignore than I am black.
djjl~ Sorry that I upset you ):. I have been asking myself if I felt as defensive of my Blue Dog Senator as you do yours. I have to admit that I don’t but I would probably vote for her because the alternative in MO is pretty scary. Work for her??? That is another question.
Oh gosh Lake Lady
I didn’t even read your comment before my post. I’m just a little pissed at so litle so late and leaving others out to dry when there was clearly a time that Lincoln, imho, could have been brought in with cover.
Yeah, she’s a hell of a lot better than what’s coming against her. That on top on losing Vic Snyder – surely the true class act in Congress – and the candidacy of Rove “caging” protege Tim griffin – well, I’m not in a very good mood.
Obama could have made a real impact in this state had he the courage it took to campaign here even though he believed HRC would win handily. That’s what I don’t think he was willing to do. He did the same thing in other states – but in only ONE did he choose to completely absent himself.
Lake Lady, thanks for the kind comments, I like the “bargainer” idea. As for your question, djjl, I rather think that we all have strong emotions (unless we happen to be saints). Just because they are hard to see doesn’t mean they are not there. And if they are hidden from oneself, well, that is usually a self destructive thing, imo. If you know what you have, you can deal with it consciously, and it won’t come back to bite you.
Thank you sunlight
sunlight \
The problem may be that he has no strong emotions. No core that defines any passion.
Senator Lincoln
I saw you speak at the Senate Democratic Conference broadcast
on CSPAN. I heard you say that Democrats in our party should not stop legislation due to ideology. I see that as you not wanting a public option. I communicate with thousands of people on the net. I see you as a conservative Democrat. I hope you get defeated by a Liberal Democrat in any senate primary. Furthermore. I tell people not to do business with Tyson Foods, the makers of Tyson Chicken and Tyson Turkey until you help get HR676 enacted into law that will allow private insurance plans but will get modified to have the program paid by general taxes and will have NO premiums, deductibles, copays, recisions, etc.
I’ll buy chicken, turkey and other meat from another state other than yours and I will thousands of people to do similarly. Get us what we want and then we will do business with Arkansas, otherwise forget it.
Good day.
Senator Bayh
I saw you speak at the Senate Democratic Conference broadcast
on CSPAN. I heard you say that Democrats in our party should adopt the deficit practices of the Republiklan party. I see that as you not wanting a public option and other programs that help the poor and middle class. I communicate with thousands of people on the net. I see you as a conservative Democrat. I will tell people not to do business with AC Delco from your state of Indiana, the makers of Champion Spark Plugs until you help get HR676 enacted into law that will allow private insurance plans but will get modified to have the program paid by general taxes and will have NO premiums, deductibles, copays, recisions, etc. AND until you stop advocating the fiscal conservatism that I find in the RepubliKLAN Party.
I’ll buy spark plugs from another state other than yours and I will tell thousands of people to do similarly. Get us what we want and then we will do business with Indiana, otherwise forget it.
Good day.