Why do I believe what Barack Obama is saying about Libya?
Am I naive?
How many times does this president have to mislead and disappoint me before I get the message that he’s not representing my political values?
But corporate, financial and military elites.
Why am I so attracted to his vision of the United States as a powerful force for good in the world? And why do I trust him to use military force for allegedly humanitarian purposes?
For one thing, he needs my support.
His republican opponents are so merciless and vicious in their criticism, so determined to undermine and destroy him.
I want to stand up for him and his presidency.
Then there’s the hope that he’s earnest, well-meaning and absolutely correct. That American and NATO forces did prevent a massacre. And that this mission will not backfire on the people of Libya or the United States.
Progressive democrats are frustrated.
It’s not just because Obama’s policies are so moderate. But that all the compromising in the world doesn’t discourage the president’s enemies from demonizing and marginalizing him.
Despite this - or maybe because of it - as the 2012 election season approaches, democrats (especially unions) will fall in line. Even if his record on workers issues, for example, leaves us cold.
We want to trust Barack Obama.
And - especially when he orders the use military force - give him the benefit of the doubt.