The Republicans have succeeded in making this election over Barack Obama.
While some here might think this a losing strategy (looking at overall approval/disapproval levels of Barack Obama vs The Republican Party), the simple fact is that Barack Obama is NOT ON THE BALLOT.
It seems (to me anyway) that all sides of this Democratic internecine 'conflict' over the midterms seem to be making this an issue. Congratulations, We have all played right into the Republicans easiest path to electoral success.
This is a DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL blog. I would hope that we (collectively, if not individually) understood politics enough to know that a person NOT running for election can NOT (by simple logic) win. Barack Obama can not win the 2010 election because he is not running.
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House IS running for Re-election
Of the three top elected Democratic Officials, President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader Reid, I have no problem as a progressive in suggesting that the person MOST deserving to keep their job is Nancy Pelosi.
Has she done everything that I, as a socialist peacenik, would want? No. But, honestly, that would be a strawman argument in this country. Has she worked with a diverse caucus to move forward some pretty decent and strong liberal/progressive legislation? Most definitely yes!
Here, I am going to avoid heaping too much blame on Harry Reid, and I am certainly not going to sit here and defend him, because I personally don't believe he deserves defending, but I'll leave that for someone else to do. But the simple fact is that Nancy Pelosi has led a significant amount of legislation through the House, unfortunately only to die in the DEMOCRATIC Senate.
Barack Obama's Progressive Credentials interesting but not relevant
As a political discussion, I find the topic, conflict and discussions over Barack Obama's success (especially from a progressive POV) engaging. I am a political junkie, so I can't help but have strong feelings on this. But here is the most relevant aspect of Barack Obama's import on this election, President Obama has not vetoed a single piece of Progressive Legislation, he apparently did a pocket veto on some continuing appropriations bill that later became moot. It would be one thing IF he was being sent progressive legislation and he was vetoing it. Simply though, that progressive legislation that we are blaming the President for not signing, isn't being sent to him TO SIGN!
I have mixed feelings on President Barack Obama. I am sympathetic of many sides on him, both critical and defensive. I am often disappointed in the actions (or lack thereof) of the Obama administration, AND I understand the tremendous challenges that he faces. While this will be an important discussion over the next couple years, honestly, he isn't running in 2010.
You know who is? Nancy Pelosi. And in my opinion, of the top three elected Democratic Officials of the Federal Government, Speaker Pelosi is the Most Deserving of Re-Election. And ironically, of these three, she appears most in danger of losing her position.
I truly understand the impetus behind the Democratic Internecine conflict, but the one's pushing this the most and cheering us on to continue it, is the Republican Party.
Hopefully we can hold off until after the 2010 election to have this (VERY VALID AND IMPORTANT) discussion on our thoughts on the Obama Administration, but for now, can we agree to get on board to retain Speaker Pelosi?
Also, Check Out Eclectablog's Diary,Do NOT vote for Obama or Biden on Nov. 2nd! I mean it!