I find I am constantly reminding myself not to be easily persuaded on big issues just by the sound bites we get from our news sources, and dedicate time to watch/listen to someone with their full argument and all the context of their presentation in tact. With that in mind I just watched President Obama's press conference from earlier this week. Some thoughts over the hump.
One thing that was really clear was that his in his explanation to describe the legitimacy of his decision to compromise from his campaign pledges/ and stated positions was clearly a moment he was on edge as much as I have ever seen him. Furthermore it was long and the tone of his voice was more engaged and full of vigor than at any other point in the press conference. It felt as if he was saying "The one thing I really want you to take away from this PC is..." It felt as much like he was speaking from the core as I have seen from him. It was like 2007/2008 never happened.
And I suppose that is what I find most lacking about Obama's perception of the whole situation. He assumes the responsibility of the nation on the whole, which can be seen as very noble, but at the same time states he can't get his preferred ideas through the senate and therefore must compromise with the "hostage takers".
So much of it just doesn't compute for me.
If you are willing to negotiate with the hostage takers now and even refer to them as "hostage takers" while you have greater majorities now how will things play out on the next battlefront. He said "things will be different next time" but what more could you want this time? He readily admits that most Americans can agree with him but doesn't think that moving closer to the goal line with no agreement in hand can put any more pressure on the Republicans than it does him? Wouldn't that be true if most Americans agree? Isn't that what politics is all about?
I am really glad I spent the time to watch the whole PC and I, like many, am more disillusioned not by the promises, pledges and proposals he has made but so has become so willing to sacrifice but by his lack of understanding as to why that means so much to us.
The change I want to see needs to start with him.