TYT: Why Reaching Out to Republicans is a Terrible Idea

[democracy1st]

Run time: 07:34 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wGWuUMmEN4   Posted on YouTube: January 30, 2010 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: January 31, 2010 By DU Member: democracy1st Views on DU: 2048

 
Doesn't make sense to attempt negotiations with people that are committed to your destruction!


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[Turborama]

1. Did Cenk make these comments before the confrontation at their retreat?

If so, he should take note of Obama's strategy, as I noted http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=385&topic_id=429301&mesg_id=429522">here.

I http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=4246108&mesg_id=4246199">kind of called it after the SOTU address, too.

[ihavenobias]

2. 2 Things

1. for a great short term . Policy is another issue, and the LONG term strategy is another issue as well.

2. We disagree on this, I know. Cenk is pretty much wrong on trade and the Duggar family (things I've discussed before), but he's 100% right on this. This video is spot-on, but most people unrecing it are likely only reading the title and not viewing (much less critically thinking about) the content.

The Bottom Line: Political wins are ONLY relevant if they translate to policy wins. So even if you think the strategy is good politics, there is ZERO evidence that it has led or is leading to better policy. In fact, there's far more evidence of the opposite (see healthcare reform).

[theFrankFactor]

4. Look at Bush's SOTU's! Who Give's a Rat's Ass? Floor Shows, Posturing, Ego Stroking...

This President needs to actually DO SOMETHING! He's a no-go showboat.

[Cha]

28. Bullshit, he's "no go showboat"

Stupid soundbyte, frank.

[Turborama]

5. From his address

I think he's clearly drawing the line here...

"This past week, 53 Democrats and Republicans voted for this commission in the Senate. But it failed when seven Republicans who had co-sponsored this idea in the first place suddenly decided to vote against it.

Now, it’s one thing to have an honest difference of opinion about something. I will always respect those who take a principled stand for what they believe, even if I disagree with them.

But what I won’t accept is changing positions because it’s good politics. What I won’t accept is opposition for opposition’s sake. We cannot have a serious discussion and take meaningful action to create jobs and control our deficits if politicians just do what’s necessary to win the next election instead of what’s best for the next generation.

I’m eager and ready to work with anyone who’s serious about solving the real problems facing our people and our country. I welcome anyone who comes to the table in good faith to help get our economy moving again and fulfill this country’s promise. That’s why we were elected in the first place. That’s what the American people expect and deserve. And that’s what we must deliver."

Full address: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x429519

[ihavenobias]

7. I like some of what he said.

Some. But again, it goes back to action and results. So far I've been incredibly disappointed, and this is coming from someone who donated and raised money for his campaign (among other things).

I want to be proven wrong, and so does Cenk, believe me. In the end we all want the same things (you, me and the people who agree and disagree with our take on this issue), we just see different paths to get there. Unfortunately based on the evidence, it seems like the strategy has been pretty terrible so far based on the results (or lack thereof). And remember, when we push from the left we do it to help, not hurt. Some (not you, but some) mistakenly argue that hurts, but they fail to understand that if the president only sees visible pressure from the right (which always exists, especially since the MSM repeats right wing memes), he'll never push strongly for a progressive agenda. Same with Congress.

Granted, until we get campaign finance reform a lot of this is wheel spinning.

[Turborama]

12. I agree...

...we all want the same things and I too have been disappointed until now. I also agree that Obama appears to have been playing too nice with them, until now.

But, I guess what I'm trying to say in post #1 (and in the links I added) is that it appears there has been a recent shift in that strategy. I'm starting to think that maybe he's been using the combat strategy of http://www.shenwu.com/taichi.htm">Tai Ji Quan "Entice (the opponent) to advance, (cause the opponent to) fall into emptiness, unite (with the opponent) then throw (the opponent) out" all along.

Entice = attempts at bipartisanship.

The fall into emptiness = the party of "no" obstructionism, insane teabaggers at town halls/rallies representing their party, sitting on their hands at the SOTU when he was talking about punishing the banks etc.

Unite = the invitation and following smackdown at the retreat. This seems to have had a very positive effect, as can be seen in a lot of the recent posts in GD (like http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7605387">this one for example).

Throw the opponent out = what he's said in the weekly address quoted above, and hopefully following through with it.

He and Axelrod are smart enough to think along those lines, as was seen in the strategy they used during the 08 election when McCain's poll numbers rose after he pulled Palin out of his hat. Everybody got pissed that he was taking all their shit lying down and wasn't punching them on the nose for it. I remember Facebook was crawling with concern trolls at the time (that's where I did a lot of online campaigning and it was quite tiresome). We all know what happened next, the Obama team pretty much let them "fall into emptiness" (when we saw the psychos at Palin rallies and when Palin exposed her own emptiness etc etc) The country "united" against them and Obama "threw them out" of office. This strategy is where the "multi dimensional chess" analogy originally came from.

My take is that David Plouffe has come in and said "It's beyond time you kicked some Republican ass!". I could be wrong and maybe the last week's episodes of taking them on were just a flash in the pan, but it'd be sweet if it really is a definitive shift in strategy and what he said in his weekly address means that he really has drawn a line in the sand.

[ihavenobias]

13. Recent change in strategy

That's why Republican Scott Brown was made , because it seemed like his victory pushed the Obama Admin in the right direction, something progressives seemed unable to do.

Sadly the put a huge damper on that hope.

[Turborama]

15. What did we get in Obama's 1st year?

You and I might not approve of or agree with all of the actions listed but it is quite comprehensive...

1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
   
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
   
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
   
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
   
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
   
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
   
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family
   
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
   
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
   
10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House
    
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
    
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
    
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
    
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
    
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
    
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
    
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
    
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
    
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
    
20. New funds for school construction
    
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
    
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
    
23. Housing rescue plan
    
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
    
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
    
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
    
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
    
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards
    
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
    
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
    
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
    
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
    
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
    
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
    
35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job
    
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
    
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
    
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
    
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
    
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
    
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program
    
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
    
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
    
44. Expanding vaccination programs
    
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
    
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
    
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
    
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
    
49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices
    
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
    
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
    
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
    
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
    
54. Improved housing for military personnel
    
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
    
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
    
57. Increasing student loans
    
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
    
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
    
60. Established a new cyber security office
    
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
    
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
    
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
    
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
    
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
    
66. Improving benefits for veterans
    
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
    
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
    
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
    
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
    
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
    
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
    
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
    
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
    
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
    
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
    
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
    
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
    
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
    
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
    
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
    
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
    
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
    
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
    
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
    
86. Held first Seder in White House
    
87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
    
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
    
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
    
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform
    ...
    

Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office!



by
Robert P. Watson, Ph.D.Coordinator of American Studies
Lynn University"

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/11/19/805925/-90-Accomplishments-of-Pres.-Obama-Which-The-Media-Fails-to-Report....

Hat tip to Lebam in LA who posted it http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=385&topic_id=429519&mesg_id=429526">here

Oh, and this...



Edited to format the list for easier reading.

[ihavenobias]

16. I'm glad you posted this.

This list (well, most of it, some of it is actually questionable if not downright terrible IMO) is why I'll never 100% accept the argument that there is NO difference between the two parties. While it's true that the difference could and should be MUCH larger, it's also true that there is still some difference.

But here's my major problem - This list does not represent significant positive/progressive change on addressing the fundamental causes of the financial crisis (see no-strings attached bailouts, no significant new regulations, no serious shift in trade policy, no increased taxes on the wealthy, reconfirming Bernanke, etc.), the violations of the 4th amendment or major healthcare reform that could even hope to significantly reduce costs without bloated subsidies, subsidies that only temporarily and weakly cover the fundamental flaw(s) with the for-profit health insurance (and for that matter, pharma) system.

PS---Yes, Obama is much better than Bush in most ways, and better than McCain would be in most ways. In significant ways on minor issues (and on rhetoric, often but not always), and in minor ways on most significant issues. So no one should confuse incredible disappointment as an endorsement of the Republicans or their failed ideology in any way. Oh, and obviously having Sotomayor (who went the right way on the recent corporate personhood issue) on the court is huge.

[Mithreal]

23. +1

[JHB]

25. I have to concur...

...far too many things on that list are not actual accomplishments but announcements of intent to do something, or are questionable about the extent to which they are actually true (e.g., 46. Closed offshore tax safe havens. Really? All of them? If not, which ones? and are they the big guys or the small fry in this problem?), and none of them are the big ticket items that might actually start to reverse the structural damage done to our economy by rigid ideological neoliberalism (deregulation and "free-marketeering").

[midnight]

21. I'm really interested in no. 51. Can you tell me when the President lowered

prescription drug prices for seniors?

[TankLV]

22. All window dressing...

It's almost a laughable when some tried to post a few weeks ago his "accomplishments" like healthcare reform!!!

IT'S NOT AN ACCOMPLISHMENT - IN FACT - IT'S DEAD DEAD DEAD!!!

ACTIONS and RESULTS are "accomplishments" - not "wishes"!!!

but on the IMPORTANT THINGS like ILLEGAL SPYING, SUPER SURGING THE WARS, and other abominations too numerous to mention, HE HAS CONTINUED, DEFENDED, AND EVEN INCREASED bush* POLICIES!!!

[Enthusiast]

18. Man, I hate to agree

with you on this. Like so many of us I find it difficult to face the reality of the situation. But, sadly, I must agree.

[jgraz]

6. Nope, this was after and, more importantly *in response to* the retreat.

Cenk's still not buying it. I'm not sure I am either, but I'd like to see more Q&A sessions between Obama and people who disagree with him -- especially the House Progressives.

[Turborama]

8. I just watched again to double check and he doesn't mention the confrontation at the retreat

and he says Obama is "busy trying to make nice". That confrontation at the retreat was anything but "trying to make nice" with them. He also says at the very end that it looks like he's being too nice and letting them push him around. Again, he did anything but allow them to push him around at their retreat. That's why I asked.

Seems entirely possible he recorded this prior to the event and was pre-empting it. I could be wrong and I'm sure Tom could confirm either way. It says on YouTube that it was uploaded 29 January 2010 so it may have been recorded before the event.

Edited to fix typo.

[jgraz]

14. I might be mixing up my podcasts, but I'm pretty sure this was Friday's show

IIRC, he set this up right after his direct analysis of the Q&A.

[Turborama]

9. This is Cenk's actual response to the retreat>>>

Obama Crushes House Republicans: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqPJ_oR14EY

[PatrynXX]

17. frankly I liked Huffpost line Obama went into the lions den and mauled the lions.

I'm thinking this was before. Heck I don't watch SOTU because I know what Obama's doing, however pitting him directly against the Repukes? that caught me by surprise. had to watch that. Now all their talking points are pointless.

[theFrankFactor]

3. I Got Yer Back Cenk!

[bbgrunt]

10. Cenk is totally right here. The smack down

question and answer period with the repukes will vanish like a puff of smoke in the tornado that they will respond with. Just look at the Susan Collins video from today---people will get all worked up and angry again and start to see Obama's "reasonableness" as too cerebral and look at him as a very weak "leader"--an all talk and no action kind of guy....and I'm not sure that I disagree with that assessment if he continues to sacrifice policy for pleas to the republicans.

[20score]

11. K&R

[WillyT]

19. Big K & R !!!

:kick:

[Lil Missy]

20. Obama didn't reach out so much as he boxed them in - publicly.

He made the price of not cooperating more costly for them with voters.

[Mithreal]

24. How did the price of not cooperating just go up in some tangible way?

Maybe I just can't see it from your angle. I would really like to know.

[Lil Missy]

29. That was the tactic anyway. He went to repubs, allowed them to

ask questions, and he smoked them with direct responses that called their bs for what it is. And did so on uninterrupted film for all to see.

Bump in the polls already = good sign. Let's see what the next few weeks bring.

[libodem]

26. I want to see

Obama kick some Republican ass!!!

[pleah]

27. K&R