"If President Obama does not want to use the mandate he won, I would like to borrow it for a time."
George McClellan was a brilliant man. He graduated second in his class from West Point, and advanced quickly up the ranks. He was also known for being tremendously talented at logistics and organization. He was also a foreward thinking strategist.
He had all of the credentials and apparent experience to lead the Union forces during the Civil War. But, he had one fatal flaw.
He did not have the guts, fortitude or gumption -- whatever you call it -- to actually press an advantage and take the initiative.
This, in a sense, reminds me of how Obama has approached governing. He's brilliant, a great organizer, thinks strategically -- but when it comes to taking the initiative and pressing an advantage -- he doesn't do it. He squanders any advantage he had.
President Lincoln eventually grew frustrated with McClellan's lack of initiative and removed him from duty. The quote at the beginning of this diary is a paraphrase of Lincoln's famous sarcastic prodding of General McClellan. It also reflects my sentiment.
If President Obama is unwiling to put his mandate )or what's left of it) on the line -- then he should let us borrow it for a while.