**Postscript added**
President Obama is now neck and neck with a generic Republican challenger in the latest Real Clear Politics 2012 General Election Average (43.8%-43.%). Meanwhile, voters disapprove of the president’s performance 49%-41% in the most recent Gallup survey, and 63% of voters disapprove of his handling of the economy, according to the most recent CNN/ORC poll. – The Hillary Moment
The Obama supporter in the video shown here is “not disappointed by Pres. Obama.”
I’m not either.
The difference is that I’m not as exhausted as this particular Obama supporter seems to be, because I don’t feel the need to defend him or attempt a pitch on his presidency that comes with no enthusiasm and gives lesser of two evils as the foundation. Watching the video is actually depressing instead of convincing.
I’m also not disappointed to say most of the things Pres. Obama has accomplished most any Democratic president would have also done, which may be part of the reason most die hard Obama fans always end up their arguments talking about the appalling choices on the right.
I’m not disappointed that Pres. Obama let too big to fail banks rake in record cash, in fact, more in Pres. Obama’s first term than in all eight of George W. Bush, because Barack Obama was always the corporate guy in a elite political party who is bought off by both banks and big business. He had no intention of reeling in the banks to any degree, which is proven through the appointments of Tim Geithner and Larry Summers.
But I wasn’t disappointed in Tim Geithner or Larry Summers, because it’s not like Barack Obama, who received more money from Wall Street than any other candidate in his time, was going to buck the boys that represent those jackals.
I knew Pres. Obama would not lead the country on issues he believed strongly in, inspiring Congress to find consensus, because what he does is compromise between ideas presented to him.
I wrote over 4 years ago that Pres. Obama would not fight for entitlements.
I also wrote that no one should take his anti-war Iraq speech as any indication of what he’d do as president, because his votes in the United States Senate on these matters were exactly like Hillary Clinton’s. I wrote that if Barack Obama had been in the Senate he would have likely voted for the Iraq war, just as all the Democratic presidential hopefuls did from the Senate, with his presidency proving that possibility very real.
It’s hard to take anyone touting Mr. Obama as the lesser of two evils, as Obama supporters do most often, while as President he’s shown a penchant toward militarism that rivals George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.
I wasn’t disappointed when Pres. Obama decided to bomb Libya. See above.
I’m not disappointed that Pres. Obama assassinated an American citizen abroad using executive branch powers, because he’s been following the George W. Bush presidential model all the way.
So, I wasn’t surprised that instead of showing economic muscle, Pres. Obama opted for 2,500 Marines in Australia. See above.
I’m not disappointed that Pres. Obama handed over health care to Sen. Max Baucus and the insurance industry, because I watched him at the very first health care debate, sponsored by CAP/SEIU, in Nevada, long before I back Hillary. He came in and spoke about health care without a plan or a clue on what he would do.
I’m not disappointed in Pres. Obama’s compromise and capitulation, because there was never any evidence that he’d fight for Democratic principles.
I’m not disappointed that before the 2010 midterms Pres. Obama didn’t lead with an economic message to rival the Tea Party, because he’s not made one argument for progressive economics, preferring to tout Ronald Reagan a lot more often than Bill Clinton, the man who made Obama’s neoliberal presidency possible.
I’m not disappointed that Pres. Obama then caved to Republicans and extended the Bush tax cuts in December 2010, because after all, if he’s not going to fight before an election why would he fight afterward when his Democratic majority was in shambles?
I wasn’t even disappointed in the midterm outcomes themselves or that women split their vote with Republicans, with seniors tilting right, because Pres. Obama doesn’t make the Democratic case for why they shouldn’t.
I wasn’t disappointed that across the country state houses turned red, because Pres. Obama set the Republicans up by making things easier for them.
I wasn’t so much disappointed in Pres. Obama’s selling out women to the Bart Stupak crowd as wishing he’d simply voted “present” as he did in Illinois.
I wasn’t even disappointed when Pres. Obama didn’t fight for Elizabeth Warren to head the agency that was her brainchild.
Pres. Obama isn’t a fighter, that is, unless he’s fighting for himself.
I’m not disappointed in Pres. Obama for not being a more progressive leader, because I knew he wasn’t a progressive from the start.
It’s also not disappointing that Pres. Obama has made the Democratic Party more like the Republican Party through his continual leaning to the right, because both parties are basically the same these days, though the Republican right’s crazy is more virulent, while the Democratic left is just feckless.
I’m not disappointed Pres. Obama didn’t get a primary challenger, because you’d have to be nuts to go up against a man so thoroughly bought and paid for by Wall Street and big business.
I’m not disappointed that Republicans are “deranged,” because that’s nothing new and so hearing the Obama supporter in the video make the case that Pres. Obama is better than the alternative isn’t disappointing, because as I’ve proven here, what else do they have?
Pres. Obama is better than the current leading alternative on the Republican side, which today is Newt Gingrich.
I’m just not sure what that says about this country or our chances of getting out of the mess we’re in.
I’m not disappointed that Mitt Romney will still likely be the one to challenge Pres. Obama, because they’re the flip side of each big party, matching each other pretty well on aloofness, elitism, lack of power to relate, cluelessness of the 99% and just how badly most everyone would like to have better choices than either of these two men.
It’s just the latest edition of the Hillary Effect.
POSTSCRIPT: The only relevant aspect to the so-called “Democratic pollsters” writing in the WSJ is the short bit I quote at the top. These very real numbers are indeed the inspiration for yet another chapter in the Hillary Effect. So, not even the opining of Fox News Channel shills can negate that the Hillary Effect has been in sway since 2008, going back to when Sarah Palin was chosen as McCain’s vice president, all of which is detailed in my book. As for those throwing around the false talking point about “Obama hatred,” there is absolutely no evidence of it, except among right wing extremists and wingnut conservatives, with the American people still liking Pres. Obama personally. As for me, I’ve been consistent over a long period of time. I’ve called out Secretary Clinton’s militarism and where we disagree on foreign policy (here, here, here, here, here). The case is made in my book The Hillary Effect, which anyone interested in the history of the last few years should read.
video h/t The Moderate Voice
‘m sure you aren’t disapointed that during the 2008 Presidential campaign Hillary Clinton received more campaign donations from Wall Street and the defense industry than Barack Obama or any of the Republican candidates or that she didn’t rule out military action in taking out the Iran nuclear program or that she supported the invasion of Iraq:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/clinton-bucks-the-trend-and-rakes-in-cash-from-the-us-weapons-industry-397281.html
I’m sure you aren’t disappointed tat Hillary Clinton in her 2006 re-election campaign received more campaign donations from the pharmaceutical industry than any other Senator except Rick Santorum. I’m sure you aren’t disappointed that in her 2006 re-election campaign was opposed by labor and anti-war activists :
http://www.opencongress.org/wiki/Hillary_Clinton#Record.2C_positions_and_controversies
‘Clinton also faces opposition for the Democratic party nomination for Senate; it comes from the anti-war base of her own party that has become increasingly frustrated with her support for the Iraq War. In October 2005 New Paltz firefighter and activist Steven Greenfield announced he would run against her. Then on December 6, 2005, labor advocate Jonathan Tasini announced that he would run against her as well [66], calling for immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq, universal health care and what he terms “New Rules For the Economy,” a more labor-centric as opposed to the corporate-centric approach to economic matters espoused by Clinton. Tasini is supported by anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan, who had in October said, “I will resist her candidacy with every bit of my power and strength…I will not make the mistake of supporting another pro-war Democrat for president again’
Always appreciate when blind Obama fans comment around here, because they always allow a fertile political field on which I can prove the actual truth, something that the fan politics to which they subscribe doesn’t allow. When I say I’m a recovering partisan I mean it, which my book clearly proves.
I’d also say that Hillary Rodham Clinton never pretended to be anything other than exactly what she is, something that cannot be said of Mr. Obama, with his marketing much more effective than the man it represents. But I’m not disappointed by that, because I knew who he was when I voted for him in 2008.
But now you’re touting Cindy Sheehan? I thought progressives were “extremists,” using the Obama fan word for them. You are positively schizophrenic.
And like so many men who are sexist when dealing with Hillary, you subscribe Bill Clinton’s NAFTA and trade policies to Clinton.
http://taylormarsh.com/blog/2008/04/flashback-hillary-on-nafta/
And no, I wasn’t disappointed when it was proven what I wrote about Barack Obama re: his fib on NAFTA during the whole Canada imbroglio turned out to be true, proven recently by his Bill Clinton-esque “free” trade agreements.
http://taylormarsh.com/blog/2008/02/ctv-stands-by-nafta-story/
Obama fans really need to pay more attention to what I write about Hillary on militarism, though of course that wouldn’t fall in line with Obamabot tall tales or that I’ve ever supported her thoughts in this realm. I was the very first to call out Secy. Clinton’s “stable” comment on Mubarak, with Glenn Kessler following a week later.
http://taylormarsh.com/blog/2011/02/on-the-tepid-side-of-history-until-john-kerry-wrote/
I was also the only person to take on State’s “Dipnote” blog when they ignored the Green uprising, though that was obviously orchestrated from the White House.
http://taylormarsh.com/blog/2009/06/while-dipnote-slept/
As an expert on Mrs. Clinton, I’d suggest you read my book, but then Obama fans are blind to facts, especially when I consistently present them to rebut Hillary Clinton’s militaristic foreign policy stances.
http://taylormarsh.com/blog/2010/04/do-women-have-to-talk-like-men-to-be-taken-seriously-on-national-security/
http://taylormarsh.com/blog/2011/03/women-war-hawks-win-on-libya/
http://taylormarsh.com/blog/2011/06/hillary-clinton-mcconnell-illustrate-the-worst-side-of-foreign-policy-politics/
I’ll leave it at that and suggest anyone who wants to learn the truth about the history of the last few years read my book, which is based in fact and reality, not blind fan politics.
Dang Ra…you seem to have a real percepual problem there. last time I looked B. H. Obama was President.
And frankly I’m not disappointed in him either. with the exception of a couple of good speeches there at the onset he has MORE then lived down to mu expectations.
An interesting read. Not dissapointed or not surprised, either or both. In regards to 2012, one has to wonder if the ‘lesser of two evils’ mantra will work. There is truth around the words certainty or uncertainty being thrown around. People want some kind of certainty. People’s lives are on hold, they want certainty one way or the other. For example, they want to know if they will be able to keep their house, or if they are going to lose it. At this point it doesn’t matter which choice; either or, they just want to know. They want to get on with their lives.
Does an Obama second term provide certainty?
Let me be clear; the United States of America will not reelect Barack as President. You may subscribe to whatever theory you wish, racism, conservatism, disappointment by his base, it will not matter. To think 2012 will be a normal Presidential election is to be naive at best and delusional at worst.
John McCain could not find enough votes to defeat Obama in 2008. Don’t forget, McCain ran as a member of Bush and Cheney’s party. This country was sick and tired of Republican rule. It was the Democrat’s election to lose.
There will be a repeat of the 2008 global financial collapse next year and Obama, the leader of the free world, up for reelection, will become the fall guy.
Go to any big city or small town, rent a car, and turn on the radio, you will hear nonstop hatred for this President from the right wing media. Voters have been poisoned for the last three years on this propaganda. I don’t think he can find enough votes next November (even if the does, how did winning the popular vote work out for President Al Gore?), to be reelected to a second term.
And then, there are the Electoral Collage and the Supreme Court in his rear view mirror; looking to make Obama a one term President, as well.
There is no way to predict whether Pres. Obama will be re-elected.
However, it’s a mistake to write him off, because there is no conclusive evidence this far out that he can’t win.
Yes, he’s beatable.
But no one should count him out, as the American people like him. That’s because regardless of his Republicanism, he’s very likable, charming even, and it’s obvious he’s a thoughtful man even when he’s wrong.
Turn on Al Jazeera, RTTV, CNBC, the world and financial markets are in turmoil. This will be blamed on Obama and the lack of political leadership from DC. OWS is the domestic version of global unrest. Add high unemployment here at home with the unraveling of the European Union and 2012 will become the most explosive year since 1968.
I think you are right.
I agree that there’s no reason to be disappointed if you didn’t expect anything to begin with. The only disagreement I have with your post is the statement:
“I knew Pres. Obama would not lead the country on issues he believed strongly in, inspiring Congress to find consensus, because what he does is compromise between ideas presented to him.”
How do we know what issues he believed strongly in? He made some nice speeches about issues and SAID that he believed in them, but didn’t his previous actions belie his pretty words?
I take this entire experience as an object lesson: words can deceive; like Taylor, judge a candidate by what he or she does, not how well he or she expresses what YOU believe in.
I wouldn’t vote for a single person in the GOP field. Given that, it still dismays me that the President, who must have seen that video of students being pepper sprayed, has not said a word. Those kids kneeling on the ground while a policeman shakes his can and keeps spraying up and down the line are the same kind of human beings who made it possible for him to be the President.
Take a look in the mirror Mr. Obama and ask yourself what your mother would have said when she was the same age as those young people. The cause may be different, but the victims are the same. They are all those people who are not noticed by politicians with their covered eyes and deafened ears.
Mr. President, it is time to make your mother proud.
Seconded.
Voting present.
I keep waiting for JoeCHI to show up on this one, too.
Hear him!! Hear him!!!
I think that a moderate Republican like Mitt Romney might actually be able to implement more progressive policies than a Democratic moderator like Obama.
Ironically if Romney gets the nodd and actually wins, we might have a more progressive president than the one we have now.
“I think that a moderate Republican like Mitt Romney might actually be able to implement more progressive policies than a Democratic moderator like Obama.
Ironically if Romney gets the nodd and actually wins, we might have a more progressive president than the one we have now.”
Considering what the repugnantklan/teabaggin/santorum licking mob has done in the house do you REALLY think the spineless jellyfish Mit will do ANYTHING to antagonize Norquist and the UBERpsycho base of the repugnantklan/teabaggin/santorum licking party?!!!!! Talk about delusional!!
No surprises, so no disappointments, with Obama. He, and the majority of the Electeds, will continue doing what they want. The questions remain regarding what voters will do, and if that will include working for other options. There are good efforts in that direction, but this is not a quick fix problem, and of course, much bigger than the 2012 elections.
You said a mouthful!
I’m certainly not disappointed either considering the fact that anybody who looked at Obama’s history would know that he actually had accomplished almost nothing during his legislative career and even worse rarely even attempted to do anything. I would say that I’m surprised that he’s even WORSE than I thought he would be.
Ga6thDem~ you sum up my feelings on the situation. I expected him to honor his cabinet more and give them some room to be Dem stars.I am talking about those other than his economic team.
This bit of concern trolling in WSJ was written by a Bloomberg advisor and a Fox News commenter. They are not ‘Democratic pollsters’. Please, don’t let the hatred of Obama give any credence to Rupert Murdoch minions.
The only relevant aspect to the fake “Democratic pollsters” in the WSJ is the short bit I quote at the top.
Being blue dog shills doesn’t preclude the very real phenomenon of the Hillary Effect. I’ve talked to enough people to not only know this is true, but have proved it in my book.
That people across the country like Pres. Obama personally also doesn’t negate the fact that a large swath of people want someone other than Obama or Romney. The false talking point of “Obama hatred” may comfort those making a bad argument, but there is no evidence anyone “hates” Pres. Obama, except the wingnuts and conservative crazies.
The polls have shown for over a year that the Hillary Effect is real.
Great post Taylor. I’ve been follow your blog since the spring of 2008 and you have been a consistent voice with clear eyed focus on the truth that can been seen if one chooses to look deeper than the marketing and propaganda we are deluged with.
Your book is going to be my holiday reading this week. Thank you so much for your consistent, dedicated hard work.
I so appreciate your comment, AliceP. Really, it means a lot.
NICE ARTICLE. I am not disappointed in your not being disappointed.
heh-heh…
this is a classic! that is the crux- obama pretended to be something he isnt while hillary and the others never did. u knew what u were buying.
“President Obama isn’t a fighter…unless he’s fighting for himself.”
Very well said.
Hi Pilgrim, good to see you in the comments.
“Always appreciate when blind Obama fans comment around here, because they always allow a fertile political field on which I can prove the actual truth”
____________________
I sense some recividism on your part, TM, because “recovering partisans” don’t take gratuitous shots like that. Might be time to call your sponsor.
I went through your list of “facts.” In all but a few instances, they are not facts – they are opinions. Until you all understand that this is a matter of perspective, and that’s one person’s appeaser and faux Republican is another person’s realist and pragmatist, you will never advance this discussion beyond that of choir preaching. (I assume that is what you are interested in – actually debating politics and public policy.)
In my view, it is a specious argument for a “progressive” to say “Hey, Hillary’s no progressive, but at least she’s upfront about it.” It’s similarly specious to invoke Bill Clinton in this regard as well. That’s because he, almost foremost among Democrats, has been criticizing Obama for attempting to raise tax rates on the rich. (Clinton’s right on the actual substance of the matter, if you care to discuss that.)
Likewise, Obama is not courageous, will not stick his neck out for things he believes in, and will not fight to save entitlements? Everything is definitional of course, because it depends on what the meaning of “save entitlements” is. If you mean no changes to entitlements, Obama does not believe in that, and he should NOTstick his neck out for that outcome. If, however, you mean that he should attempt to save entitlements by a number of modest measures designed to gradually bend the cost curve, then I would argue that he showed a lot of courage on that front over the summer. And got his butt handed to him by both the Left and the Right for his troubles. This, despite the fact that a growing number of municipalites are being forced to reform their pension obligations or go bankrupt. Even Montgomery County,MD, baston of the upper middle class, is in real trouble. The situation is even just as dire at the national level, but no one is stepping up to the gauntlet Obama threw down a few months ago.
I am very fond of Herbert Stein’s maxim: “When something cannot go on forever, it will stop.” This stasis in politics, this wilful avoidance of hard truths, this inflexible unwillingness to accede any legitimacy whatsoever to opposing points of view, is a blot on our polity that cannot go on forever. So one day it will simply – stop. I take some small measure of comfort in that.
In my view, it is a specious argument for a “progressive” to say “Hey, Hillary’s no progressive, but at least she’s upfront about it.”
True.
But I think you are missing the point of this argument, which is to say that Obama was disingenuous in 2008 when he espoused progressive ideals that he clearly had no intention of ever following as proved by his actions and people he chose as advisors from day one. If Obama had campaigned on — “I will extend our presence in Iraq, cut a deal with big pharma, only close Guantamo if other countries agree to shoulder some of the burden, quietly abandon any attempts at liberalizing drug industry to make drugs cheaper, all the “organize for America” database will be dropped as soon as I get elected because in fact it is all “organize for my election in 2008 and repeat in 2012, humiliate Palestine at the UN to get applause from Netanyahu even though I cant stand him but need the jewish votes” etc etc etc… we can agree that the outcome of 2008 might be different.
…Meant extend presence in Afghanistan.
Also feel like adding “I will turn a blind eye to fights waged by unions to protect what is left of collective bargaining (that was really depressing) against the most outrageous attempts by bought and corrupt Republicans to destroy unions…..”
Man, your post cries out for a point by point rebuttal. And then, I suspect, you will rebut my rebuttal. Which really doesn’t advance the discussion. So the only thing I’ll say is that, in my view, your litany of sins omits some very important context. Both contemporary and historical. Historical in the sense that every progressive piece of legislation has started out well short of the ideal state. The goal is to get something passed, embed it in the legal and legislative fabric, then continue to improve upon it. So if past is prologue, the snapshot in time that is the current HCR is cause for celebration, not dismay.
Current in the sense that in virtually every argument you (and others) have cited, some quid pro quo was obtained. It may have been weak for your tastes. But the flip side is that it was extermely strong for others’ tastes. And it was those others, and not folks like you, that Obama had to convince to vote in favor.
I sense some recividism on your part, TM, because “recovering partisans” don’t take gratuitous shots like that.
Oh perfect.
Now I’m being told by an Obama fan what a recovering partisan can or cannot do, when it’s clear across this site that I throw honest shots at Obamabots, right wingers, wingnuts, and the whole fan partisan pack, of which there are plenty of targets.
But again, thanks for playing.
{In my best John Riggin voice}: “Taylor baby, relax! You’re way too uptight.” I’ve been commenting here for some time now, right? Have you ever seen me idolize Obama the person? If you have, please point to one example. But I will save you the trouble – no such examples exist. I am not a fan of Obama the person. I am a fan of Obama’s objectives. And, except where I have otherwise specifically (and repeatedly) stated, I am a fan of Obama’s methods. Methods I have described as “progressive ends by moderate means.” That’s it, really. Occam’s Razor and all that. It really amuses me how many of you turn to more nefarious reasons to explain a very simple idea.
Oh, almost forgot – of course recovering partisans can call others demeaning names. Indulge, wallow in it even. But because I love you so (you know I doez!), I gotta call you on it. Friends don’t let friends hit the pipe, nahmean?!?
Hey, chill, man, don’t feel guilty.
No need to get defensive on the “methods” vs. the “objectives” vs. the fan politics you employ to come to the aid of Obama and his fans. It’s cool, brother. Really.
It’s cool, brother.
_______________
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!! Did you just write that?!?! Hey, trying to get down with the idiom – I feel you. But if you’re gonna do it right, do a brotha a favor and drop the “er” for an “a.” “Brother”? That’s just wrong.
ogenec 21 November 2011 at 2:05 pm
Yo, man, whaddayawant from a lily white Irish-Scots broad!?
Hey Ogenic~ Is that a new baby in your family? Congradulations. Is this your first boy?
Have you read the Suskind book yet? If it is context that is needed for this discussion he gives plenty. After reading it I have come to the conclusion that Obama with his intellectual brillance and talent for weaving narratives should have chosen another career path.
He appeared to have enough of the “killer instinct” for the campaign and he appears to have more than I wished he had when it comes to assinating American citizens but when it comes to managing his own team or congress it deserts him somehow. My read is too much deference to the wrong men. I say men specifically because evidently during the time Suskind covered he was not giving much to the women on his team.
LOL! Taylor, you’re alright.
Hey LL, yes that is my little man! 7 weeks old and already a ladykiller. (He did NOT get that from me!)
Haven’t read Susskind’s book yet, but I definitely plan to. How’s the mayorship treating you?
Awww. Congratulations, Ogenec.
Hope your wife is feeling terrific afterward.
Congratulations and blessings to you both.
Thanks to you both (and Sec!). My wife is doing well, even though she is very sleep-deprived. But it’s a small price to pay. He’s an absolute joy, and we are all very thankful.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
Keeping me out of trouble….so far.
Well I am disappointed in President Obama, hugely so in fact. I dont think I was a fan with a crush on a pol. I knew that expectations in 2008 were ridiculously high, and that on many issues, like the military or Israel, interests are so entrenched and powers so beyond the office of the President, that making real change would be almost impossible. I also think that the GOP proved quite determined and more successful that he suspected in their campaign to make him fail, enabled by his failure to lead and unending compromising. Still after following him since 2006 before he jumped in the 2008 campaign, reading his books, liking his message, his campaign, his community organising background and the fact that he seemed to understand the need to involve the youths in the political process, just like Michael Moore I expected SOME change. Yet he managed to capture a mood and yearning for a different style of politics that many felt and did absolutely nothing with it once elected. Which is quite an achievement.
But the OWS movement is proof that the yearning is still there, unfortunately for him many of his 2008 voters simply do not believe that he is the right person to bring this change. His action from day one have proved that he is the quintessential anti-change candidate. Doing his best to tweak the system to make it more palatable to the masses. Unfortunately this is no longer enough.
What the “disapointeds” do with their disapointment is the big unknown. I still think it will depend on the freak the GOP will end up nominating.
I actually think Pres. Obama did provide “some change.” Unfortunately, it was to move right during a time when he had Democratic majorities in Congress, then whiffed the 2010 midterms completely, because he was so tied in economic knots he ceded the field to the Tea Party, leading to historic changes in states across this country.
What the “disapointeds” do with their disapointment is the big unknown. I still think it will depend on the freak the GOP will end up nominating.
Also depends on the health of the Occupy movement, as well as whether an outside candidate rises up.
We also don’t know whether Ron Paul will go rogue. That might at least prove interesting, because never before have we needed challenges and alternatives to the feckless Democratic and Republican corporate mannequins currently on the menu.
He sounded almost hysterical on Face the nation yesterday.
In actuality, this hole thread was pointless in that it was generated by a post that had the singular purpose of shamlessly promoting a book.
Actually, you’ve got it exactly backward. The op-ed in the WSJ was yet another example of the Hillary Effect that bolsters the premise of my book, which is worthy of noting.
I appreciate all readers and commenters, fangio. But if this makes you uncomfortable, I’d suggest you find another site on which to comment. Because I have no intention of doing otherwise when the opportunity arises, because the Hillary Effect is a real phenomenon in American politics and now part of our history.
And OOOOooooooooooow does it hurt!!!!! BWAHAHAHAHA!
Well, fangio, this IS Taylor’s site. If she wants to “promote a book” (whether shamelessly or “shamlessly”), that’s her right. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a website run by an author that doesn’t feature occasional blog entries that promote a new book. Hell, you think Bill OReilly and Glenn Beck don’t take every opportunity to plug their new books at every opportunity? If so, you’re really sheltered.
And, as Taylor noted, I doubt that anyone’s forcing you to read her posts.
It sure beats the hell out of an f—ing fundraiser.
Shamelessly promote? Are you kidding? Taylor writes for a living.
Thank you, Rick.
Nice post, Taylor. In some way, I think President Obama is a victim of his own very effective and inspirational marketing (of his candidacy in 2008). What human could actually live up to all the hope and change espoused when nothing about our campaign finance system is about to change and allow all that (which really is the driver behind what does and doesn’t get accomplished)? As a former Hillary supporter, I thought they both were inspirational candidates, one more prepared than the other (Hillary), one more charismatic (Obama), but both highly intelligent/savvy human beings. In the end, anyone who gets elected to the Presidency IS a politician first, imo. I agree with the gentleman in the video about that – that’s why I didn’t fall for the hope and change mantra because I knew it was a marketing strategy delivered by a very savvy speaker/politician with his own unique persona. That doesn’t mean the President doesn’t have principles – he’s just a realist like the man says (and he needed a way to get elected – which takes a lot more than principles – I say this as a person who admires principles and believes in them). I still like Hillary’s “results for people’s lives” mantra because that, to me, is what really matters after you take away all the hype. I tend to be a Main Street type of person who thinks this country is in real trouble if the middle class shrinks, rather than expands. As for being disappointed – yes, I am with a few things like Race to the Top, cutting “entitlement benefits”, being a little too compromising with the oppostion – but I also don’t want to see a George Bush rather than an Al Gore elected again, either. Unfortunately, those eight years really helped to get us where we are today.
George Bush was not elected by popular vote. The Supreme Court handed Bush the election.
Yes, I know, tpaz. Close enough, though.
“Pres. Obama isn’t a fighter, that is, unless he’s fighting for himself.”
Like another commentor, I also bring up this quote. Aside from being spot on and never mentioned in the MSM, Obama’s self-preservation is his highest priority; greater than the Democratic Party, or the nation.
I voted for Obama. I am not, and never was a fan. No one is perfect nor will nirvana be reached through elections. However, disappointment is too kind a word when one finds that EVERY ideal one holds is betrayed. It’s too late to say, “well, what could Pres. Obama have done with Republican obstructionism?” This is an attempt to paint a picture of a weak man at the mercy of bullies.
Like many, I did not expect Obama’s victory to translate into instant satisfaction. It is not unfair, however, to expect someone to live up to what they said they’d do. And, to NOT do what the economic oligarchs want to have done to finish off this republic.
Frankly, I didn’t want to see a continuation of the Bush/Clinton/Bush/Clinton dynasty in the White House. But having been educated in how feckless a president can be, and how insane the Republican Party has become…
Hillary in a heartbeat.
I can be disappointed, or I can be well informed, but I can’t be both? Please.
I remember George Bush declaring as he left office that not only would his administration be vindicated by the future but that it would happen quickly. I did not realize Obama would make it his #1 priority. There will never be anyone as bad as Bush. So why not vote Republican? Obama is a shattering disappointment. The Republicans are thrilled with him. They will do whatever is necessary to keep him there. Hence the Clown Show. Want to defeat the Republicans? Put them in office.
Fangio
Its your comment directed at Taylor that is shameful! Wow, this sight is nothing but honest..Taylor wrote a book, this is her sight..I have bought Taylor’s book and i’m enjoying it..Man, you hit below the belt, not nice..
Thanks for buying the book, tonyb39.
It’s pretty clear that the 2012 election will be a competition between President Obama and his supporters on one side and Hillary deadenders, the media and the entire GOP establishment on the other!