Clinton Stood Up to Gingrich: Obama Lost His Moment

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Tuesday December 07, 2010 · 12:17 AM PST

2010/12/07 · 00:17

In 1995 Gingrich and the Republicans were tough and belligerent --riding high off a recent midterm election sweep. They wanted massive cuts and a change to Republican values: Gut government at all costs. If you don’t we shut down the government and the people who elected us will rally to our side.

Clinton did not give in.

The American people rallied to the President’s side because he was right. His approval rating rose dramatically. It was Clinton's "Profiles in Courage" moment.

Now Obama has had his moment and he failed. He caved.

He simply cut a bad deal when faced with the same gambit of intimidation and "the people are on our side" threat. Obama could have taken the case to the people and played the brinksmanship game. I am with those on this site who believed be was not up to the challenge. Not up to have a "Profiles and Courage" moment. He wants to be popular too much. He acted as a fearful man

We need someone else. I am only hoping a real Democrat steps forward at this moment to challenge this deal.

I know someome who would lose unemployment benefits and they are afraid but not so afraid to support this deal. If the unemployed are held hostage that does not mean they want to be saved at any cost. You do not give away the future based on a threat. That is not the act of courage but capitulation.

He did not want to put his Presidency on the line and challenge the Republicans like Clinton did. He wanted a deal that got him out of the mess.

Nothing is so disappointing as to see your man sink at a moment of truth.
Of course he’s a one term President.

But there may be another Democrat who will succeed him. I only hope that Democrat will step forward now.

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Clinton Stood Up to Gingrich: Obama Lost His Moment

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