One a different progressive blog, one which I love, but often criticize, there is a general consensus - particularly amongst comments, that Dems and Republicans are close enough in policy as to be different sides of the same coin: Obama is judged even more harshly than that, finding himself on the Republican side of that coin.
I could link, and I will if pressed, but I think it's not unfair to say that certain far left progressives consider Obama a militarist corporate sellout, a wolf in a black sheep's clothing, pitching love while filling the coffers and wallets of the ultra-rich, insurance companies, etc,etc... And while there is truth in their words, which is why I love them, to see just a few weeks of Republican "leadership", convinces me that as bad as Obama may be, and as nervous and tepid and backbiting and weak as our Democratic congress has performed over the last two years, compared to the right wing, our guys are champions of goodness and light.
We're seeing a takeover of the House by a group of know-nothings, thugs and anti-intellectual racists. Look at their first effort to "trim" the budget - what did they attack? Public Broadcasting! Republicans hate Big Bird! It goes way deeper, but the agencies and services these folks are gouging will affect the poor and people of color first - as always - and as they throw dedicated civil servants out of work - those too will be people of color, traditionally denied a fair shot at wealth, all so the very rich and their trust-fund spawn can enjoy a few points lower tax rate: for this they'll cut legal services to poor women of color! Would the Republicans ever suggest even the smallest of tax raises to help fund our endless wars and reduce a deficit caused by Bush's tax cuts, a deficit they so abhor? Don't be stupid - they've got Big Bird right where they want him!
Next time someone - anyone, tells you that Democrats and Republicans are alike, remember this week, remember the HCR repeal vote (no ideas to fix this imperfect law, just an opportunity to deny coverage to sick people). Remember new anti-Abortion legislation announced today, remember their multitrillion dollar gouge from the poor and middle class announced today, remember Big Bird - because Obama and the Democrats may be in the pockets of industry and the rich - but they would never murder Big Bird.