Like many, I have been following the first week of the Obama presidency regarding the stimulus package and Congress's reaction to it. Many are complaining that he needs to "flex some muscle" to the Republicans and not cave in. Folks....he is, just not in the way that Americans are used to. He told the Republicans to their faces: "I won." You would think that some would interpret that as him using his victory as a blank check to do as he pleases. However, he has sat down with the repubs and made it clear that he will listen to them, but doesn't have to agree and will in the long run do what he wants to do.
Two movies stick out in my mind when I think about the last week, especially the passed few days: Rocky IV and Miracle. Keep in mind that I believe Obama is in just beginning the campaign for 2012 and to win the hearts of Americans.
Miracle
In the movie, doc said:
No... no, this I have never seen. No - but Craig, Herb has a reason for everything he does.
Obama has a reason for everything that he does. How many times have we questioned him during the primary and the general election? We have been frustrated at time, yes, but we also see that he is a great political chess player. America needs the stimulus package. In November, Americans voted no for the republican economic policies. Many say that the economic collapse put the nail in the coffin. Right now, Obama is "reaching out" the the republicans. He even said he will listen, but that his stance on the tax cuts is final. Americans clearly see that tax cuts as the repubs want them do not work. The media is reporting Obama even told his own party to cut out the contraception part of the stimulus. So, Americans see Obama going against his own party and listening to the republicans (even giving agreeing to cut out the contraception). And what do the republicans do? Still vote against, despite the wishes of hard working Americans. With this, the republicans are going to shoot themselves in the foot the first of many times in the next 8 years. Obama is running a neverending campaign for what the American people want, and they will take notice.
Rocky IV
Duke: What's happening out there?
Paulie: He's winning.
I love Rocky IV. Obama will take punches. He will even welcome them. Through this, he will wear down the republican party amd republican members of congress. Like Rocky, Obama has a plan and will implement it. The republicans will keep after him and as a result, they will look desperate. They will be hunting moose without even knowing what moose look like. As Rocky did in Moscow on Christmas, Obama will win over the crowd and come out victorious.
Right now, Obama does not look like a partisan politician. If he plays it right, which I think he will do, he will paint the republicans out to be obstructionists. Think about it!!! Republicans are going to obstruct his economic policy for their own? Their economic policy that the American people completely rejected? Good luck with that repugs.