The "past" Obama had disappointed. The "present" Obama is showing a bit of spine. But it is the "future" Obama we need to see if we are to return to the enthusiasm of 2008, and we need to see that before we vote in 2012.
Recently, I and other progressives, have written many articles and op-ed picece describing our disappointment with Barack Obama. Frankly, the response to my particular commentary was surprising to me – clearly reflecting widespread agreement with the postion. Daily Kos had 122 comments; and a poll of 235 showed only 11% thought he had performed as expected. Open Salon made it an “Editors Pick”; and my local newspaper (Minneapolis Star Tribune) ran it as a full blown op-ed. Subsequently it has been reprinted and widely disseminated. Clearly the premise had touched a nerve.
Among the disappointing actions noted in his first two years were the Guantanamo decision; lack of energetic support for better options in the health care reform bill; continuation of these absurdly costly wars; an probably most egregious of all, caving in on continuing the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy.
Having said that, it now seems as though the President has developed some spine, and he has now made some moves to win back the Democratic liberal base (in fact, on the tax issue he has taken a very firm stand on not renewing reduced taxes for top income earners). Given that, why would a primary challenge be good for him, the Democratic Party, and of course progressives? Consider these reasons.
To begin with, despite any primary challenge the President will be nominated; and given the Republican candidates now in the race, will likely be reelected. But for liberals, a primary challenge will force the President to clarify, articulate, and reaffirm his commitment to real change in America. The kind of change he promised. The kind of change we thought we were getting when we first supported him with such vigor, and got him elected in 2008. This time – no “bait and switch” – we want the real Barack Obama to stand with us.
And actually, a primary challenge should help him with reelection. To start with, the GOP will have multiple candidates, with numerous debates starting early in 2012; if Obama is left without opposition, there would be no one to debate…no air time…and less opportunity to frame his positions and differences with the Republicans. Assuming his primary opponent is from the left, regardless of difference he/she may have with Obama, the Republican positions will get a through shellacking, because they are highly vulnerable, and mostly unpopular once detailed.
Another advantage is that the DNC has been essentially a moribund underperforming organization for the Democratic Party. It will be badly needed by Obama in the next election, and a primary challenge will hopefully wake it up, make it work, and give it some traction (and funding) for the 2012 election. Controversy is good in that sense, it builds action.
Also needed will be the same enthusiasm and energy from the liberal base of the party which got Obama elected in the first place. That base is quiet now for several reasons. First, the above noted disappointment. Secondly, less enthusiasm in supporting weak progressive policies that now sometimes seem to be closer to the Republican positions than that of liberals. Third, if the challenge is from the left, it may move Obama into a more progressive position. Finally, that base needs to be awakened again, and showing some fire in a primary would be useful.
The biggest problem in this scenario is lack of the right (should I say “correct”) challenger. None seem to be on the horizon – either because of the futility of the effort, or perhaps because they fear hurting the President’s election chances by being divisive. My choice would be Bernie Sanders – though technically an Independent, he has the guts, the intelligence, and the grasp of the issues to make a primary race interesting enough to garner some support and an audience.
At any rate, for all these reasons, a primary challenge to Obama would likely serve him well...would energize his liberal base…would be good for the Party…and most important, good for the nation in framing the critical issues that will face the next president after 2012. And as for me, I would like it because I have frankly had enough “Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee” from the present 4 year term.