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| "Are you with me now? Well alright then!" |
After a dreary summer marred by the fight over government borrowing, rank-and-file Democrats say they are growing more optimistic about President Barack Obama's political prospects in 2012. They cite his tougher, more populist tone and what they view as a chaotic primary fight among Republicans.
Many Democrats acknowledged that high unemployment and economic uncertainty create formidable obstacles for the incumbent. But interviews with more than a dozen Democratic activists across the nation found support for Obama's more forceful message against GOP lawmakers and interest in rebutting the presidential candidates.
Several pointed to Obama's speech last week in Kansas, where he argued that the middle class had been under duress for the past decade and economic policies must give everyone a "fair shot and a fair share."
"He didn't have his voice and we didn't have our voice," said David Leland, an attorney in Columbus, Ohio, and former state party chairman. "But now he has successfully turned that particular corner and most people are much more enthusiastic and much more fired up about it."
I was always fairly confident that the Dems would start to come around, but I have to imagine that seeing the clown car full of Republican candidates arriving at these debates has helped them to realize that Obama is really the ONLY choice for the country in 2012.
By the way, if the Democrats were impressed with Obama's speech in Kansas, wait until they get a load of his interview on 60 Minutes. It is almost an hour long, but well worth your time.
Here's the link to the "American Dad" page on the Fox web site.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fox.com/americandad/
There was an episode last night where the daughter and her husband adopted a baby that turned out to be the Antichrist. Stan, the patriarch, had been kicked out of the Catholic Church for disrupting a Passion Play at the local mall. The only ways to get back into the Church were to 1) retrieve the Holy Grail or 2) kill the Antichrist.
Stan tries to kill the baby but fails, and the baby is adopted out to Sarah Palin. They show the house exterior on Lake Lucille and everything. Very funny.
What a punk-ass response by Democratic leaders! They were in office well before he was and they want to say they are shaky about HIS leadership capabilities?!!! Where the hell are THEIR balls? Talk about lame excuses. I haven't heard THEIR voices since he won so I don't put any weight behind anything those weak, invisible, wishy-washy so-called Democratic leaders have to say. They've done nothing but hide behind the human shield called President Obama as he has taken all of the shots these vicious Republicans have taken against him. Same thing for Occupy Wall Street. Who are they waiting on to say anything about anything? To hell with what these so-called Democratic leaders think.
ReplyDeleteCompletely OT, but I'm still giggling over it. I hope the link works.
ReplyDeletehttp://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s320x320/317040_10150765360380254_480488100253_20562505_5821962_n.jpg
I watched the interview, and felt that Croft came across as very aggresive. He interrupted a coupole of times. Compared to the kid glove treatment W always got on the show, I was upset. Then I realized, being gentle with the mentally slow makes sense when it came to W. President Obama can handle anything they throw at him.
ReplyDeleteJust imagine Sarah trying to give an hour long interview...
ReplyDeleteor imagine the outfit she would wear.
I watched 2 excerpts on The Obama Diary & I agree: it is a fantastic interview by our president, in spite of toolish Steve Kroft. Our president is so smart, so compassionate. I predict he will win a second term. Now let's get to work on his re-election and taking back the House, and removing Blue Dogs from the Senate, replacing them with true progressives.
ReplyDeleteO/T - Found this article on Mittens
ReplyDelete"Mitt Romney drove to Canada with a dog on his roof"
Would put dog in it's crate and strap it to roof of car. So much for loving your pet - NOT. That's abuse.
Romney’s oldest boy, Tagg, noticed the first sign of trouble, according to the Globe piece.
“Dad!” he yelled. “Gross!” A brown liquid was dripping down the back window of the station wagon.
Romney calmly dealt with the problem amid his boys’ howls of disgust, pulling into a service station to hose down Seamus and the car. He put the dog back in the crate and continued the drive to Ontario.
Appears that Mittens used a 'band-aid' fix and returned the dog to it's roof strapped crate!!
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/1100452--mitt-romney-drove-to-canada-with-a-dog-on-his-roof?bn=1
I thought that was a horrible interview. Steve Kroft is such a dipshit asshole I was hoping Barack would reach out and pinch his nose off.
ReplyDeleteRe the interview: Better that it be a hard-nosed interviewer, because it clearly demonstrates the intelligence and leadership of President Obama. Please, please do all you can to ensure his re-election.
ReplyDeleteI watched that interview last night on 60 minutes with Steve "alcoholic nose" Kroft....Boy does he work for the Kockbrothers or what?
ReplyDeleteEspecially when he kept going on about the polls...remember Gov Dirty Wig said polls are for "skiers and strippers" so I won't worry about the CBS poll that "Alcky" had to say!
My support for President Obama has never wavered. I've been around a long time, and he's an exceptional leader governing under the most challenging circumstances in 70 years (made exponentially worse by the hard rightwing's obstructionism and the hard leftwing's unrealistic expectations).
ReplyDeleteObama 2012. The only sane choice.
Honestly, aside from politically blind voters and people who think the govt owes them everything, I can't think of anyone who would vote for Obama/dems. People MAY vote Dem next year just out of frustration with GOP but there's frustration on both sides. There's moer deception on the left.
ReplyDeleteUgh. Lose lose.
Anon 5:30am (con't).
ReplyDeleteI must apologize for my rant so early in the morning. I also must clarify my stance.
I am in FULL support of the Occupy Movement. I have grown tired of the constant grumble from Democratic leaders saying President Obama is weak in his leadership skills. No one gives him or his style of leadership credit for reeling in the discourse that has grown in this yahoo-type attitude towards communicating globally and socially. His genius strategy of toning down the crazy revolves around "lead by example" -- using the strength of his silence and calm to draw attention to how absurd and immature the behavior of politicians and public figures have gotten. Think it's working yet? Just look at the field of Republicans running for President. He doesn't have to say a word when their crazy shows how much more of a better person and leader he truly is. I call that genius!
The same goes for the folks who supposedly support the Occupy Movement. While these kids are on the front line everyday, where are the Democratic voices to support them? Yet, they claim President Obama is weak and timid and has no voice. Puh-lease!!! Why are the Democratic leaders waiting to say anything about anything regarding their support of the movement? It is for the protection of democracy
after all, isn't it?
In closing, to those that only know how to operate off hostility and chaos, then President Obama will always appear to be weak. To those who understand the art of negotiation and see it as the ultimate level of control (think of the Godfather), then President Obama will always be your man. So again, screw all of those Democratic leaders that claim President Obama "got his mojo back" when he never lost it in the first place.
Me & Obama 2012!
ReplyDeleteAllow me to piss on your barbecue.
ReplyDeletePresident Obama's disapproval numbers are higher than his approval numbers:
46% - disapprove
44% - approve
10% - don't know
Additionally, a majority of Americans now say that President Obama does not deserve to be re-elected:
54% - No
41% - Yes
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57340576-503544/grim-economic-outlook-weighs-down-obama-approval-rating/
Clearly, it is far more than just progressives that are dissatisfied with the president's performance in office.
When I complain about what I perceive to be President Obama's weaknesses, it is not to be disloyal - whatever that means - or just to bitch, but to try and convince him that he and the nation would be better served if he actually tried to be the president that candidate Obama said he would be.
What I perceive as the president's deficits are the instances where he failed to live up to his promises (or failed to even try) and where he failed to adequately explain things to the country. I am in good company in this regard; progressives like Paul Krugman and Robert Reich have both expressed similar sentiments.
The president has been blessed with a pack of buffoons all vying to be the GOP nominee for POTUS. He would almost certainly have no trouble dispatching any of the the top seven contenders. There are increasingly signs that the sane power brokers in the GOP are dissatisfied with all of those top seven people and are STILL looking for an alternative. While it is already too late to get someone new into the race, the GOP already has a declared candidate that has the potential to emerge as the only sane candidate the GOP has - Huntsman.
This fact has not been lost on the GOP. If the GOP suddenly becomes rational and begins to view Huntsman more favorably - a VERY big if indeed - and realizes that their top are all losers, the president is vulnerable. If Huntsman gets the nomination, he could very well beat the president. I don't want that, but it is possible.
I also am concerned that the president's unfulfilled hyped hope will cost the Dems the White House in 2016 and that one of the present crop of buffoons WILL be elected. THAT'S how we got Bush. When the president fails to deliver on his promises - or even appear to try - the voters WILL punish the Dems.
The president himself has as much acknowledged - as evidenced by his 60 minutes interview - that he can't run on his record, but is merely comparing himself to the alternative. He better hope like hell that the alternative is not Huntsman.
The presidents's disapproval numbers are not where they are because of progressives like me bitching. They are because a clear majority - for varying reasons - don't think he's done an adequate job. It is setting the bar mighty low to simply compare himself to the GOP buffoons. I want him to lead more aggressively and with more authority. He does that and he could brush aside Huntsman as well.
I still hoping that candidate Obama will show up and become president Obama.
Glad to know I wasn't the only one who was upset with Kroft. I was so aggravated with Steve Kroft's interview with President Obama, I went to 60 Minutes's website and sent off a email essential saying what I've read here.
ReplyDeleteAlso asked if Steve Kroft honing his interviewing skills for a move to Fox.
He's still my guy.
ReplyDeleteJust imagine where we'd be if McCain/Palin had won. It makes me shudder! And yes, he's still currently better than any Republican out there and better than their policy agenda.
Good grief, do people forget what got us in trouble? seriously? 8 years of Bush/Cheney! TWO unwarranted unpaid for wars, deregulation, loads of pork barrel spending.
The Republicans have NOTHING to offer except more bad policy, more of what got us in this mess!
Obama is not perfect, and he's not done working on problems. I'll vote for him again, I'll work on his campaign again and I'll keep pushing for progressive change, but I'm not stupid enough to think all this can be overnight.
Now if the Republicans would let him govern, show him respect and do their jobs for ALL their constituents and US citizens I'd be way less angry with their party.
Kroft did The President a favor by being aggressive. Frankly, he can handle it, and in this case he handled it very well.
ReplyDeleteHe needs that, if it was some sycophant or soft-baller like Couric it would have little to no value.
I like many of you wish he had lived up to the progressive dream of Candidate Obama, but I also know the realities of what he is currently dealing with, as well as the fact that Chicago Democrats are ideologically Republicans for the most part.
We can bitch and moan about how he has failed that dream, but in the end he is the best man for the job among any of those currently seeking it. Period.
Gasman, I think you took a wrong turn. Phil of Progressive Alaska would LOVE to hear from you!
ReplyDeleteGasman I respect your opinion and your right to say it!
ReplyDeleteJust make sure you vote for President Obama next year!
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteGlad to know I wasn't the only one who was upset with Kroft. I was so aggravated with Steve Kroft's interview with President Obama, I went to 60 Minutes's website and sent off a email essential saying what I've read here.
Also asked if Steve Kroft honing his interviewing skills for a move to Fox.
****
LOL! I did also, asked if he worked for Kochotocpus!
Said he was rude to POTUS!
GinaM & Shit, (that sounds like a really weird band name.)
ReplyDeleteOh, please don't get me wrong, I WILL vote for President Obama. However, my vote doesn't require me to be obsequious or silent.
I am genuinely worried that if President Obama's numbers remain low that he leaves an opening for Huntsman. Huntsman may seem improbable now, but if the top 3 or 4 GOP bozos keep slugging it out until the convention, a floor fight could yield a dark horse candidate like Huntsman. Abraham Lincoln emerged as the Republican candidate in 1860 after just such a fight from 3 or 4 more well known rivals. Stranger things have happened.
I still say that unless President Obama has a remarkable year, he would be vulnerable to Huntsman. Additionally, if a second Obama term goes like the first, NO Dem will be able to win in 2016. That sets up the VERY disagreeable prospect of having Mitt, Newt, Bachmann, Perry, Cain, or - God forbid - even Palin with a better shot at the White House.
I don't make this shit up, I just call it like I see it. Hell, I could be wrong, but what is the harm in our president upping his poll numbers by being more effective?
It just seems as if the president is needlessly giving the GOP an opening.
Gasman,
ReplyDeleteI think you're still overlooking the fact that it is Congress that makes the final decision. To blame him for the circus we have seen this past two years is ridiculous. It's our fault for not getting enough Dems and Progressives to vote and put rational, mentally and emotionally mature adults with business sense mixed with compassion for their fellow man. Until that happens, blaming President Obama is senseless and anti-progressive.
I agree that Huntsman represents the biggest threat to Obama if he were to get the gop nomination. The millions of sane Repubs like my mother would go with Huntsman, but not with any of the other clowns.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya' Gasman...I'm glad to read that you are still going to vote for him and I understand your frustration and you are not alone.
ReplyDeleteKeep expressing your opinion and I don't think of you as a Firebagger...just a guy with strong opinions. You don't need to go to Phil's blog...you are funny and I like it when you call the Dirty Wig family "cousin humpers" makes me laugh every time!
Obama2012
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support.
Everything Gasman said is the way I feel. We all need to vent any frustrations we have with our President, I do a lot of phone work for OFA, and can't tell you how many people express their frustration, I just listen and remind them of what he's accomplished, and they all stop me and say "I didn't mean it to say I wouldn't vote for him but it's just that I'm frustrated with unemployment, citizens united, etc etc etc. And the Huntsman theory, which I believe can happen, often comes up as a fly in the ointment for Obama's reelection.
ReplyDeleteThe interview with Croft was poetry in motion, it showed Obama at his best. Remember when O'reilly interviewed Obama, how disgustingly rude and combative he was, interrupting and interjecting his own thoughts while Obama spoke, Obama didn't give him the reaction he wanted, and he whined for months over it. Croft, at least, asked difficult questions and respected the office enough to let Obama answer.
Somewhat OT--Here is an interesting article by Sarah Jones. She thinks that it is still possible for Palin to become the nominee.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.politicususa.com/en/2012-rules-sarah-palin-gop/comment-page-1#comment-162711
I so love our President Obama...the Republicans have been horrid to him since he was elected and he ALWAYS keeps his cool and is nothing but kind, smart, focused and has learned not to let others get to him. I detest seeing our children watch the Republicans in action during the past years. They are horrible and NOT an example for others to follow. President Obama and his family ARE!!!
ReplyDeleteGo to the polls this coming election and vote out the Republicans on all levels of governmnet and vote FOR President Obama and VP Joe Biden!!
You will be happy you did!
Anon @ 2:15,
ReplyDeleteBullshit. If President Obama is being held hostage by Congress, then he shouldn't run for office. The GOP in Congress may be annoying, but HE is the one with the bully pulpit, not Boehner.
Boehner is a bumbling jackass. Obama should be kicking his orange ass daily. THAT'S why I bitch. The president has the skills, I just don't understand why he lets Boehner bitch slap him so often. It makes the president look weak and it gains him nothing. It is also unnecessary.
There are too many instances of presidents who faced Congressional opposition more adroitly than President Obama. Since Boehner and the House GOP enjoy all the popularity of genital warts, I don't understand the president's timidity.
There is nothing inevitable about Boehner's success: it happens because the president is too risk averse.
Gasman: There WERE presidents who handled opposition in congress better...but there has never been a Congress so uniformly shitastic and opposed to EVERYTHING. Tip O'Neil was a democrat and I'm sure that Reagan found him annoying but he was a reasonable human being. Boehner and Cantor are whiny little brats with the reasoning skills of a retarded toddler. They're selfish pricks who don't give a shit about anything other than raising money for themselves. BIIIIIG difference. BIG!
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 3:59,
ReplyDelete"They're selfish pricks who don't give a shit about anything other than raising money for themselves. BIIIIIG difference. BIG!"
Thanks for making my point. Are you telling me that Obama can't best these two "selfish pricks who don't give a shit about anything other than raising money for themselves?" Either Obama is a skilled orator and a brilliant politician or he is someone who is easily outfoxed by these petulant "selfish pricks."
Are you telling me that Boehner and McConnell are SMARTER than President Obama? I'm often critical of the president, but I have NEVER said that.
Toddlers are selfish too, but adults can generally figure out ways to out maneuver them.
Nope, still a great big "BULLSHIT" to your argument.
Just looking at the picture you've posted of our dear President makes me proud. I think Barack Obama is looking and acting more Presidential than ever. He will win this upcoming election. He's been able to stand up and do something for his country, despite the efforts to keep him from succeeding. I am very, very proud to have him as my President.
ReplyDelete