The New York Times picks up on Obama’s interview with Katie Couric:
“I want to come back and have a large meeting, Republicans and Democrats, to go through systematically all the best ideas that are out there and move it forward,” Mr. Obama said in the interview from the White House Library.
Mr. Obama challenged Republicans to attend the meeting with their plans for lowering the cost of health insurance and expanding coverage to more than 30 million uninsured Americans. Republican leaders said they welcomed the opportunity and called on Democrats to start the debate from scratch, which the president said he would not do.
Democrats didn’t have to end up here. The solution was always a short list of health care specifics like portability, importation of drugs, anti-trust elements, as well as pre-existing condition exemptions as a stand alone beginning for health care.
The obvious already taking shape, as Steve Clemons cited yesterday, riffing off an important piece in FT last week. Though as I’ve stated a million times, the buck stops with Obama.
Because of the lack of Democratic leadership, which includes a lack of will to use reconciliation, but also the craftiness to pull together a bill that had a simple way forward, Republicans are in a tremendous position. It’s a political gift if they’re smart enough to accept it, though there’s no indication they’re willing to be opportunistic if it’s seen to benefit Obama. Though if you listened to “Morning Joe” this morning, an alternate universe if ever there was one today, Scarborough posited that Republicans were never offered a way into the debate, which is absolutely untrue.
This latest bipartisanship meeting is vintage David Plouffe, getting everyone in the room so that blame or credit is shared, with a new narrative able to be crafted afterward. But also showing his candidate in the light that got him elected, bipartisan Obama, the guy with no ideology. Not that has helped him so far, because leadership by its very nature requires a point of view and an ideological north so you have some place to begin, not to mention a passionate core people judge worth trusting, as they did during the election season. That is so way back when.
The White House seems to believe a) Republican ideas will look worse when evaluated closely; b) Democratic ideas will look much better when scrutinized; and c) when it comes to addressing the agreed-upon questions, the way forward will appear much clearer. Subjecting all of this to a transparent, bipartisan discussion may even make it significantly easier to present the package to the electorate.
Obama’s never made the argument that Benen posits, that “Republican ideas will look worse when evaluated closely.” Obama never will, as he doesn’t call out conservative ideology as being less than liberal ideas, in part because he doesn’t believe it. Pres. Obama simply wants a health care deal. A “win.”
Some still just do not understand or won’t accept the basic sincerity of Obama’s true political nature, which is always to craft a deal between two sides, no compass offered by the boss.
Whereas dealmaking is always part of the political process, leadership should begin it, starting with the reality that Democratic policy ideas on health care are better, because that’s a simple fact. The trick of the craft is to find Democratic ideals Republicans will buy. If they won’t, then pushing them through in a marketable way that voters can understand is actually giving them something better than what they’ve got. However, this requires passion on policy so voters can see it’s something worth accepting, instead of acquiescence for the sake of something hobbled together.
And as much as bipartisanship may save health care and give Obama his “win,” it also straps him into a kumbaya position, as you can’t offer a hand then get rough when Republicans won’t take it. Though that’s not a worry for Republicans who have never feared Obama’s leadership.
Besides, it’s not like the Republican base is up for it, with any nod to health care or the Democrats giving more ammunition to Tea Party candidates, who are already pressing Republicans hard.
Why? Taylor why? Are you trying to ruin my day
That damned word again. Bi-partisanship. If you know how that word drives me nuts.
Some how these people have come to believe that the American people will blame both parties if things don’t get done. That could not be further from the truth.
They had better get to winning because the more times they lose looking for bipartisanship, the more folks will gravitate to the GOP. Rightly or wrongly people want strong leaders, effective and courageous leaders, over weak leaders who are principled but don’t get anything done.
When will they ever learn?
More and more it appears that Rahm Emanuel has been the “root of all evil.” That Rahm was Bill Clinton’s senior advisor on policy and strategy from 1993-1998 is telling. Obama did not want to make the same mistakes that Clinton made on health care and on other issues in the first two years of his administration so he hired Emanuel. Obviously hiring Emanuel and allowing him to run the show has turned out to be a huge mistake. Rahm should pack his bags and move on to the next phase of his life. Isn’t the Lt. Governors job open in Illinois? Peace
Imhotep says:
08 February 2010 at 11:02 am
I have always said that BO walked out of Grant Park, after his speech, said good-bye to David Plouff and hello to Rahm and things went kaput from there.
That Rahm was Bill Clinton’s senior advisor on policy and strategy from 1993-1998 is telling.
You’re mixing things up here, Imhotep, as a senior policy adviser has very little clout compared to a chief of staff. Presidents have a million senior advisers on policy. There is only 1 chief of staff, a job more powerful than any other, especially w/ Obama’s leadership style. So, try making your argument without bringing in Clinton, as it does nothing to aid it.
As for Plouffe, he’s the original bi-partisan guy, so the down side of him showing up is that this is simply another campaign for 2010, not a real policy fight. But it’s what we’re stuck with.
It seems to me that Republicans have but one goal. Regan power forever.
Taylor
Some come to the conversation with a preconceived notion of reality. Their reality will not consider, truth, logic and facts.
Hey djjl. Job one for me is to keep putting them out there, as there are always others reading and willing to learn.
Also, it’s not only Rahm, he needs managers on his staff. People who know how to GET THINGS DONE. He has conceptualizers, (academics & debaters) not people who know how to finish things. Manage by objectives.
Look, we saw traces of this during the campaign when he couldn’t put Hillary away for months. And its the very same team that is with him now. Nothing has changed. They do not know how to end things. They never strike while the iron is hot and they can’t move in for the kill, so nothing ever ends. I do not care how much they curse, their behavior suggest that they neither like the taste nor smell of blood.
Hence, HCR is a mess, Guantanamo is open, Iraq is still there, DADT is on-going, EFCA is on hold, Climate change is dead, Judges are stalled, Trials are confused; Everything is a mess. No results.
Steve Clemons is just so good. I hope everybody reads his blog, he’s always got such a great perspective on issues [Israel/Palestinians especially, he's moderate, but sees the truth, and doesn't inflame with ideology, but informs with facts]. I really appreciate his insights on this.
As I said in t4h’s In the News diary, I know Steve pretty well. He never pulls his punches, especially when things are reaching critical mass.
Also read the FT article, which is posted in t4h’s diary.
http://www.taylormarsh.com/2010/02/08/core-chicago-team-sinking-obama/
Ramsgate says:
08 February 2010 at 11:24 am
You *really* need to read the FT article, as well as the Clemons piece.
he needs managers on his staff. People who know how to GET THINGS DONE. He has conceptualizers…
This is *not* the problem.
My point about Emanuel is that he’s just another Clinton person. Obama didn’t trust his ability to get things done in Washington as the greenest of green presidents so he made the mistake of leaning much to heavily on Clinton retreads in setting up his agenda. If, and when–because eventually he will be forced to—he cuts the Clinton people loose his “luck” will change. I don’t like nor do I trust the Clinton people. On that point I’m certain that you and I are not in agreement. Peace
Taylor Marsh says:
08 February 2010 at 11:33 am
Taylor, I read BOTH articles last night.
I believe the source of the problem is Obama and his lack of vision. Clearly, he walked into the WH without any thought or overarching vision of where he wanted to take the country or what his governing philosophy would be. More to the point, there were no principles set of beliefs on how the economy or society should work after all we had been through the last 8 years. No ideology. No conviction. And yes, I still say they do have a problem executing — completing things.
I think the entire Chicago crew should be gone. The campaign crew rarely works well at governing. The article talked about Reagan’s seamless transition, with James Baker (all gravitas).
In any case, I absolutely believe as long as Obama insists on worshiping at the alter of bipartisanship he will fail. The Republicans are resolute in their conviction to stop him at any cost, and as long as Obama is so mind-numbingly obtuse as to continue along this path, he becomes more and more of a joke.
By the way, Clemons mentioned bringing in the ubiquitous David Gergen. I think that would be a mistake. He doesn’t need retreads.
It would be nice if Obama found his own people and created his own stars. At some point he has to come into his own. Become his own man. Right now he’s always looking for cover.
Something tells me this effort will go something like this…Repubs offer something they want(tort reform)…Obama says Okay…Obama offers something BOTH sides want(preexisting conditions) Repubs reluctantly say okay….Repubs offer something Repubs want (crossing state lines) Obama says okay without the provision that all states be federally regulated with consumer protections….Obama offers something BOTH sides want…on and on
Imhotep says:
08 February 2010 at 11:43 am
Nope. We don’t agree. I don’t think it has anything to do with the Clinton people.
Both articles also point out that many Cab members have been ignored and mistreated. I have been asking all along why are there no supporting players out there on cable in newspapers etc.Why is it only Obama who can be the face of his Administration? What a waste,there might be some visionaries working for him but how would we ever know. Is it that no one can out shine Obama or is allowed to?
His Ed sec. is out there pretty much but he is another Chicago guy.
A writer from The Nation was on MJ this morning blaming things on the Clinton people too. Some people just cannot admit they were wrong in their original swoon.
Not you Imhotep…you are in a different catagory, you want to blame all the problems in this country on the Clintons. Kinda simplistic for a smart guy like you
You know, I’m honestly not paying any attention any more. I go to Clusterstock, Zero Hedge, and a few other financial blogs for actual news. That tells me what the pols are going to do, anyway, since they always listen to their masters.
I don’t really read political analysis these days. I did for over 40 years, but the Obama adminstration’s transparent Wall Street whoring has killed any remaining passion I had for party politics. I might join a revolution if there ever were one, but for the most part (local issues excepted), I’ve really changed. (Evolved?) This surprises me, actually. But now I have much more time during the day. I’m truly not emotionally invested in the corporatist Democrats, who have lost me for good.
Dangerously for those who *are,* I’m also not the least bit upset, worried, or bent out of shape by the thought of idiot Republicans regaining control. It’s like they never left, anyway, and the system doesn’t respond to votes, only the unspeakable.
Ramsgate
Wonder what causes one to have such an investment in demonizing the only successful 2 term president since FDR? Facts don’t matter.
Taylor:
You say:
The solution was always a short list of health care specifics like portability, importation of drugs, anti-trust elements, as well as pre-existing condition exemptions as a stand alone beginning for health care.
I totally agree but the problem is that this list can’t pass either. There are too many folks that are supposed to be on the Democratic side such and Bayh (D – Aetna), Lincon (D – WalMart), Bauchus (D Any and All Insurance Companies), Nelson (D – Any and All Insurance Companies), Landrieu (D – Corporate America) and Lieberman (I – I hate all Progressive and its payback time) that will stop these reforms. I really hope they all pass the House but that’s as far as it will go.
djjl says:
08 February 2010 at 12:42 pm
Beats the daylights out of me.
Bill Clinton was one of the most sccessful presidents this country EVER had. Heck, if he were a Republican he would have been on Mt. Rushmore already. But we Dems have no idea how to promote our own like the Repugs do theirs.
As for Hillary, Probably the most talented and versatile woman who ever entered American politics and she isn’t finished yet. What a story! And she is still being persecuted. Let them. It makes her stronger. Destiny.
This is just my thought – my son told be he was routing for the Colts to win the super bowl because he doesn’t believe in the idea of passion and thought that NO had won the previous super bowl based on passion. Well sometimes you need passion to win something – this is something our President needs to learn. You might want to be bi-partisan in some things but there are other issues out there that you have to have passion for and the willingness to fight for. I don’t think Obama ever had the passion for true health care reform. And it shows in the type of bill that they have come up with and the fact that they can’t get it passed. I hope that it doesn’t pass. It’s a horrible bill and I just can’t accept mediocrity when it comes to health care. My thought for the day.
mwfolsom says:
08 February 2010 at 1:01 pm
The only way to ever pass HCR was thru reconciliation. As I said a looooong time ago, Republicans cannot afford to hand Dems another FDR type leg of the domestic policy stool, however rhetorically awkward that phraseology is.
Right on cue:
http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/health-care/cantor-only-route-to-bipartisan-cooperation-is-if-dems-fully-embrace-gop-plan/
There was a time when Lincoln would not have been politically savaged for supporting HCR. The WH did such an absolutely abysmal job – they handed Republicans the cudgel with which to beat Democrats like Lincoln – who are being vilified for representing their more conservative constituencies. But the WH let it drag on and on and on ……..
Taylor Marsh says:
08 February 2010 at 1:48 pm
That’s the definition of GOP bi-partisanship. You give us what we want, nothing less, nothing more. Oh well.
OT but after watching and reading the posts about the terrible snow storm in the NE. I must let you know Little Rock is essn=entially closed today with 4-6 inches of snow. It sure is pretty thought and I’m getting ready to throw snow balls with Jared
We’ve already been having a “fight” with Molly our Westie. Guinness the cat wants none of it.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/08/clinton-era-aides-watch-h_n_453265.html
“WASHINGTON — Shock and awe. That’s what survivors of the Clinton-era health care collapse are feeling as President Barack Obama’s overhaul legislation wobbles in Congress.
Aides who shaped Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton’s 1990s plan to cover all Americans, then labored in vain to pass it into law, are adamant that the Democrats can’t afford another health care disaster. But they’re divided on whether scaling down Obama’s plan would be an acceptable solution.”
SNIP
djjl says:
08 February 2010 at 1:57 pm
We expect to be snowed in up here around Wednesday. We’re properly prepared – you know milk, bread, the basics.
We are always on the edge of winter weather – usually skirting snow and ending up with the misery of ice. Coming back from the Super Bowl party we picked up the must have milk. Everything else in place.
Obama is apparently betting it all on his unique ability to bring people together.
As Dr Phil would say to the President – “How’s that been work’in for ya?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/08/clinton-era-aides-watch-h_n_453265.html
‘Thorpe said he hopes if the Democrats can’t get Obama’s bill, “we don’t do like 1994 – all or nothing.”
Obama has sent mixed signals. Early after the Massachusetts defeat, he raised the possibility of scaling back. Then he insisted he still wants a comprehensive approach. Last Thursday, Obama publicly raised the prospect that Congress might not act at all. Sunday, he invited GOP and Democratic leaders to discuss possible compromises in a televised gathering later this month.
The Democrats’ reversal “is like a big body blow,” said Jennings. “You either stammer and fall down, or you stammer and regain your balance. What Americans respect are those people who can take a punch and come back.”‘
Taylor Marsh says:
08 February 2010 at 1:48 pm
It’s simple. If they knew how to get this done, it would have been done ages ago. The fact is they have no idea HOW TO GET IT DONE. That is the only reason it’s not done. That explains this flurry of activity that passes for action. It’s temporizing. The thing is dead because of Obama’s timidity.
Imagine for a minute if you can Barak Obama licking his chops over HCR passing as passionately as Bush licked his over wanting to attack Saddam. My God, BO would have passed HCR through reconciliation last August, and to hell with the Republicans. He’d then throw a huge 3-day celebration for the American people. Then let the Republicans squeal, just as long as he had his HCR passed.
Taylor says:
The only way to ever pass HCR was thru reconciliation. As I said a looooong time ago, Republicans cannot afford to hand Dems another FDR type leg of the domestic policy stool, however rhetorically awkward that phraseology is.
Not to be crude about it but the reason that doing anything through reconciliation won’t happen is because that would require the Democrats to “have a set” and we all know they don’t!
Re: the title on Plum Line Cantor: Only Route To Bipartisan Cooperation Is If Dems Fully Embrace GOP Plan – why not! It worked for Liberman and all the Blue Dogs in the Senate and House! Since Obama and Associates don’t believe in anything compromising is easy.
They do know how to get it done. They don’t want to do it that way because it would not preserve Obama’s image of himself.
Obama will never to get the Republicans to act in a bi-partisan manner. They’ve got him exactly where they want him exactly because he wants to preserve the image of himself as some kind of mediator. That isn’t how politics work. The Republicans will never abandon their ideology and I think in the past months have hardened themselves to any sort of compromise. They’re waiting for Obama to hand them what they want on a silver platter all in the name of bi-partisanship.
Here’s a bit from Krugmann today:
It should be a simple message (and it should have been the central message in Massachusetts): a vote for a Republican, no matter what you think of him as a person, is a vote for paralysis. But by now, we know how the Obama administration deals with those who would destroy it: it goes straight for the capillaries. Sure enough, Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, accused Mr. Shelby of “silliness.” Yep, that will really resonate with voters.
snip
Well, America is not yet lost. But the Senate is working on it.
Good insight djjl
It has been snowing here all day. This morning the tree above my barberry bushes were full of blue birds and robins. The eagle has been ice fishing in the open areas on the lake.Beautiful sights.
I can’t feed the birds because of my serial bird killer cat Jimmy even thought he is double belled. I leave all my perennials in the garden for them and clean them up during a late winter thaw.