The American people have rejected republican economics, President Obama can talk to republicans all he want but I insist that they do not get to set or define the agenda. Now, the President needs to get this stimulus thing passed.
It was Markos moulitsas Zuniga that first warned us on the 23rd of January 2009 about the danger of Obama can do no wrong syndrome. And I quote Kos as follows
"four ways we'll react to Obama's decisions:
We'll enthusiastically agree.
We'll be unsure, but optimistic
Well be pessimistic, but hope for the best
We'll vehemently disagree
If I had to guess today, I'd say those reactions will be split 40/30/20/10. And that 10 percent will get a disproportionate amount of activism and, as a result, media attention. That 10 percent will also draw out a certain percentage of "Obama can do no wrong just TRUST HIM!" types, which will be a new challenge for us progressive bloggers. It's been easy to survive the last seven years bashing Bush, and few complained when we took on Pelosi or Reid. But criticizing Obama is pretty darn controversial in our little world."
I couldn't have agreed more with Kos, over the last two weeks, I have watched as the President's administration takes shape, yes, he has earned some positive kudos for gitmo, chip, lilly ledbetter act etc but on the issue that demands tremendous backbone, the President seems too deferential.
Now, my criticism of the President does not mean that I am already wary of a President that I labored to elect. On the contrary, it is my believe that as progressives, it is our duty to tell the President when he is wrong before republicans do that for us.
It is heartwarming to see him own up to his mistake about the nominees, equally satisfying to see him issue a notice to republicans about exactly who is in charge!
It has been suggested that some of us on the progressive left relishes a bloodfight between democrats and republicans, that is far from the truth, what we are saying is that the American people overwhelmingly voted for change and that is exactly what they should get.
The American people have rejected republican economics, President Obama can talk to republicans all he want but I insist that they do not get to set or define the agenda. Now, the President needs to get this stimulus thing passed.