Maybe I'm overstating it... but the past 72 hours changed the trajectory, I think

[scheming daemons]

The Democrats, as Rachel said, have their "mojo" back.


The GOP made a HUMONGOUS tactical error in televising the President today.



Just two weeks ago.... there were several posts, even here on DU, saying the President was a "wimp"... was "in over his head"... was "letting the GOP dictate the terms of the debate".


NOBODY is thinking that way anymore.




When was the last time *YOU* stood in a room facing 140 people that hate your guts and subjected yourself to their interrogation in front of millions of people?

Is there *ANY* other politician in this country... hell, any other *PERSON* in this county... that could have made it through that situation without losing their cool, or making a big blunder to give his opponent's ammunition?

ANYONE?


We have a gem here. A *REAL* honest-to-goodness once-in-a-generation leader.


I get bitter sometimes at those on our side that seem to spend all their time kneecapping this President day after day.

And I don't have the temperment to accept it and roll with it the way he does, so I sometimes call them out here on DU and don't always do it with the most diplomatic language.

I get bitter at those of you who are trying to bring down the best thing that has happened to American politics since 1960, and maybe since 1932.


We have the right leader.... and if we on this side can stop making the focus *ONLY* be on each of our own pet issues, and instead look at the big picture... we'll get the things done that need to get done.


Give. the. benefit. of. the. doubt.


President Obama is the only thing standing between us and the bad guys right now. He's not perfect... but he *IS* the perfect person for the job at this time.



If this is the affect that bringing David Plouffe back into the fold has, then whatever we're paying Mr. Plouffe, it isn't enough.

These have literally been the best 3 days of this Presidency to this point. The best.

...and the fact that it came after the worst two weeks of this presidency makes it that much better.


We have our "fighter".
We have our policy-wonk.
We have our ethical leader.


All in one person.


Let's not fuck it up.

[FarCenter]

1. Don't worry, next week the Democrats in Congress will lay him low

[scheming daemons]

4. We'll see.... I don't think so

[ccharles000]

2. k/r

[BeFree]

3. B+

I got to give him that.
Frankly, their side is so full of shit there are any number of longtime DUers who might have done even better. Might.

Still no FDR, and while the making nice time does seem to have finally ended, it's like when I confronted a freeper the other day, I just told him flat out he was a damned liar. Mofo had to sit down before he fell over.

Ya think Obama may finally do that one day?

[scheming daemons]

6. Did you do it alone in a room full of 140 freepers?

That would've been more equivalent.

[BeFree]

11. heh

Good question. Yes, I would, especially with all that SS around.

Even without, probably. Actually, he did pretty much say it, just not right out like I did. B+ fer sure.

[nxylas]

114. Except that Freepers are more likely to turn violent than congresscritters

"Say hello to Sweetness".

[Turborama]

171. I laughed out loud when I read that subject line

Very apt!

:fistbump:

[Pirate Smile]

22. FDR was lucky enough to not get handed the Presidency 5 months after the markets crashed and the

economy was just beginning its free fall off a cliff. Now, maybe if he had been then the Great Depression would NOT have been The Great Depression. Hoover owned the disaster from 1929 - March of 1933. Obama took over right as we were flying off the cliff. He prevented a second Great Depression but doesn't get the credit and instead is taking some of the blame.

FDR also didn't have the wars going on right when he started either.

I certainly don't want to put down what all FDR had to deal with as President. He is one of the greats - in the top 3 at least.

I'm just pointing out that I don't think it can be overstated what a huge pile of total sh#$ Obama was handed before he even took office. It really was massively horrible.

How many times did we all think - why would anyone want the job of President after all the messes Bush left for his successor?

I have wondered over the past few days how bad it would have been for FDR if he had to deal with the current style of press/media coverage, cable news TV and the Internet. It's brutal.

[tavalon]

53. I doubt FDR would have called himself lucky

[Pirate Smile]

95. Considering his optimistic nature, I bet he would.

:)

[Mithreal]

73. "He prevented a second Great Depression" so far.

I think that is too soon to tell.

[Maraya1969]

67. I truly thought I heard him tell someone that "That's not true and you know that's not true"

I know he pointed out at least one lie during that time.

[BeFree]

70. You're right

He did say that. It is encouraging, eh?
Y'know, some folks here said he was playing chess. Maybe they were right and it's about time for checkmate?

[Mithreal]

74. The pawns are tired of the chess metaphor already.

[BeFree]

81. Too bad.

Its real politik, imo. He pretty much has them right where he wants them.

True, where we want them and where he wants them may have some divergence, but he is the president, and we ain't.

[Mithreal]

82. Listen to yourself. You 'ain't' the President. Your role is The People.

If the pawns don't matter than you 'ain't' with The People. Maybe I overstate, but I do it for cause.

[whathehell]

83. I am, at most, only half satisfied with the guy right now...But I WAS impressed last night!

He took on the freeps and made them look like the morans the are!

[AzNick]

149. Been there too but I think he will have done better than me

I have been in situations of 1 against several, where I was the only Democrat and Obama supporter, and it's true that, away from their talking points, they are lost.

I usually end up turning some around, others are hopeless. Unfortunately sad to say but: low intellect, trailer dwelling blue collars with Rush Limbaugh in their truck during the day.

[Lifelong Protester]

5. This man will stand and fight.

I was worried (hey, I'm a worrier, what can I say?) but I am also old enough to have some perspective, I think. I believe that the President was really 'trapped' in the chains of the leftover pile of stinking manure left by the last guy and his posse. He needs the benefit of the doubt. For anyone to really, and I hate to use this phrase, but 'cut and run' on him, is not cricket. Period. Don't care who agrees with me, I think Obama is the man for the job.

I was impressed with his actions today. That took guts.

[scheming daemons]

9. 50 years from now, today's actions will be taught in "Presidential Rhetoric" classes

[hisownpetard]

103. Absolutely. I said the same thing to my kids! K&Rx10.

[tavalon]

54. If this rhetorical kick ass is followed up by strong action

he could still get into the league of magnificent Presidents, something that looked highly doubtful even a week ago.

[Mithreal]

80. There is no 'cut and run.' He is President for 3 more years at least.

It doesn't matter if he is or is not the 'man for the job.' There is no alternative, he is it. What you said reminds me of the phrase, "You would prefer McCain?"

Know what takes guts?

Fight for universal single-payer health care.

Fight for giving judges the authority to reduce the mortgages of people in bankruptcy.

Fight against the TBTF Banks and Wall Street destruction of Main Street.

Fight to end outsourcing of jobs and protect American labor.

Fight for investment in every American, not just privatization.

Fight for marriage equality or against don’t ask, don’t tell.

Fight against indefinite detention without trial; hell, they’ve embraced it.

Fight to dismantle Bush’s entire edifice of repression, including the NSA spying and the Military Commissions Act.

Fight to end Bush's Occupations now.

With modification, http://www.progressive.org/wx060909.html

Standing up to a room of bassackward Republican representatives does not take guts when you compare it to our needs and the fact we have a majority but are inept to use it.

[glitch]

84. ^Very well said.

Aligning with The People against The Corporatists would be very impressive.

[Plucketeer]

146. I agree with what you say.

But even with the staunchest mindset, convictions - and even actions - it won't get done unless the other two branches start to talk like Obama did. Reid and Pelosi have SO disappointed me. Maybe it's all been part of the partisanshipmanship movement, but it's yielded only wated time and compromised "results".

I wanna hear Reid tell one of the minority-majority, "That's just not true and you KNOW it's not true." When I hear that sorta reality talk, I'll dare to exercise the audacity of hope.

[theFrankFactor]

159. I Love You! Kick Ass Summary

[TicketyBoo]

180. Okay,

gotta say it: you would prefer McCain?

I honestly don't see how you expect this freight train to turn on a dime. It's barreling along toward a cliff, and it seems great to me just to get it to slow down a little rather than slamming it into reverse. It's going to take awhile to actually turn it around and get it headed in the right direction. I see the signs that it's happening, and that's good enough for me.

Patience is a virtue.

[NanceGreggs]

7. Amen.

:kick: and REC'D - big time!

[Lifelong Protester]

13. Hey, I have been wondering if you were still around

glad to see you and have missed your rants (did I miss them because you aren't around or because I'm not looking hard enough?)

[cliffordu]

33. Hey!!!

:hi:

[Binka]

34. Nance My Love

:hug: Ah girl, so nice to see you.

[protect our future]

61. Missed ya! n/t

[Flubadubya]

62. I know I don't post much, but I continue to be an avid follower of DU...

and I recently read lamentations of NanceGreggs' unfortunate "demise at DU". I just about cried when I saw that. Now, I just got an actual adrenaline rush when I saw this post. I am so glad to see that "rumors of your departure are greatly exaggerated".

Your postings have always been such a positive influence on me and on DU. So glad to see you back!

:loveya::hi::bounce::party::bounce::hi::hi::bounce::party::bounce::hi::hi::bounce::party::bounce::hi::loveya:

[theFrankFactor]

160. Stay With Us Nanace... But You Will Hate Me Now.

Barack's a corporate shill as far as I'm concerned. A tremendous disappointment. It is obvious to me that the Democratic leadership structure is designed to be subservient to corporate power. They pretend to be at odds with critical Republican issues but with majorities in both houses, a wave of support going in, they have been forced to point at the evil Republicans and place the blame with them in order to keep the game going. A tragic set up for failure and a return to the limp minority they were and released from the pressure of keeping up this scam.

Minority or majority, Congressional Democrats are losers.
Minority or majority, Congressional Republicans retain power.

No one has made a cogent argument to the contrary to me. Ever.

[NanceGreggs]

170. Hate you? Never!

I think we've come to know each other well enough to say, in all sincerity, that we can agree to disagree. And it doesn't have to get personal, and it doesn't have to be vitriolic.

We see things differently, and we will each continue to voice our opinions, as divergent as they may be.

But hate you? Never gonna happen, my friend - unless, of course, you tell me this post makes me look old and fat (in which case, our friendship is SO over!)

:hi:

[EmeraldCityGrl]

8. Prior to this week we were relying on Blind Faith...

The Obama we have seen over the last couple days is the president we knew he could be.
I don't want to rely on faith, I want to see him in action. That he has FINALLY exerted himself
we can look forward to the process going in the direction we want He is playing chess, let
there be no doubt.

[Mithreal]

91. Faith should be reserved for your personal deity, never a politician.

I know, I admit I am probably an ass for saying it, but still, I care less what people think about me than the struggle over ideas.

:dem:

Otherwise, I agree with the sentiment.

:hi: from Port Orchard, WA.

[EmeraldCityGrl]

152. I don't believe in a supreme being

nor have a personal deity. I reserve my faith for humanity.

But, glad you got the sentiment.

:hi: back atcha

[ClassWarrior]

10. What you say is true, but please understand...

...that legitimate criticism is not an attempt to "kneecap" the President, nor is it "fucking it up." In fact, Mr. Obama himself has invited legitimate criticism and welcomed a variety of opinions.

Please make a compassionate attempt to discern the difference between the shit-stirrers and the legitimate critics.

NGU.

[scheming daemons]

12. Point taken

Sometimes it seems that the "shit-stirrers" are overrunning the camp, though.

[ClassWarrior]

14. They just have big mouths.

:fistbump:

NGU.

[FrenchieCat]

23. !

:rofl:

[Mithreal]

89. There are "big mouths" on all sides.

[ClassWarrior]

134. Of course there are. But is there a particular reason you're defending the trolls?

NGU.

[Mithreal]

138. Your terrorist may be my freedom fighter.

Is there any reason you can't comprehend the difference?

[ClassWarrior]

173. So shit stirrers who want to destroy reasonable discussions between allies...

...are "freedom fighters" to you?

:crazy:

NGU.

[Mithreal]

174. Stop pretending you have some higher moral ground.

DU'ers can see for themselves how far your questions to me go in representing an attempt at this reasonable discussion.

If you would like to take a different approach to having this reasonable discussion then I welcome it.

[ClassWarrior]

176. I commented that the trolls have big mouths. You're the one who chose to reply in their defense.

The goofy thing is that downthread you replied "+1" to my original post.

:shrug:

NGU.

[Mithreal]

179. Not so goofy, loose language leads to all sorts of misinterpretation and midunderstanding.

It was the use of the words troll and shit-stirrer that set me off.

There are DU'ers that do not see the difference between rightwingers and fellow Dems who criticize the President's choices, actions and inaction. Words like troll used to get thrown around a lot. My anger was not directed at you so much as the turn in the conversation. I hope that made a little sense, I am not feeling like I am being excessively clear.

[malaise]

124. Love that graphic

:D

[Mithreal]

133. +1

[TicketyBoo]

181. Time for an update, maybe?

[Mithreal]

87. You don't make compost without stirring the shit.

[DisgustedInMN]

52. You got that right.

The last couple of days, actually prove it. I haven't seen any "approval polls," but I'd bet there's been a substantial uptick. If the words aren't backed up with REAL actions, there will be serious damage done.

I love the attitude, but after the "I didn't campaign on ..." moment, tho my skepticism is reduced substantially, it remains there. Now, show me you really meant it, Mr President. Make me eat my skepticism.

[Mithreal]

85. +1 It's not just Dem Leadership that is bogged down in ineffectuality.

Many here on DU can't break the cycle of willful deceit and name calling. Simplifying to language like "kneecap"ing the President and other irresponsible language is just throwing up more resistance to open communication of our differences.

I use irresponsible language sometimes as well, so right back at me, but I do my best to avoid certain destructive memes.

No one here wants the President to fail. I do adamantly and loudly oppose some of his choices and inaction.

[mochajava666]

183. Well said

[The_Casual_Observer]

15. I hope so

The press was so god damn boring already about how fucking great the gop was.

[Ardent15]

16. I'm with you.

We have to stand and fight, and continue fighting.

[Greyhound]

17. Possibly, lets see what is done, n/t

[Richard D]

18. He should do the same thing with the dems.

[Mithreal]

92. If you mean with the conservative Dems, he is one of them.

[TicketyBoo]

182. He's not as conservative

as MY Dem or nothing like what is being proposed would be in the offing.

The truth of the matter is (and many have said this), we never had a 60-seat "super majority" in the Senate, anyway, with all the DINOs who are in office.

[bertman]

19. It was a magnificent performance indeed. But a couple of news cycles of Corporate spin

will dilute that easily.

I loved the way the President gave it right back to the lying bastards, but I did not like the rhetoric of compromise and more compromise if they'll only be more civil. Now is not the time for compromise.

President Obama's desire for bipartisanship and comity coupled with the Democratic leadership's timidity and corporate fealty have lead us to where we are now with a POS healthcare reform effort.

Believe me, I will be absolutely ecstatic if I am wrong about this. The man is brilliant and knows his stuff, but governing is going to take some serious ass-kicking. And I fear that President Obama doesn't have it in him.

[Mithreal]

93. +1

[Mithreal]

94. +1

[Political Heretic]

107. Very well said. I enjoyed the "flash" - but not the substance

[Sheepshank]

178. never mind

never mind

[Orrex]

20. As I posted during the SOTU, I can't even listen to him anymore

Because he makes me think that there just might be hope after all!

[ourbluenation]

21. You are so right. He's like the best chess playing, rope a doper I've ever seen. n/t

[Mithreal]

111. When he gets done playing games and boxing, he should give Progressive governing a try.

I bet he could be good at that too.

[blondeatlast]

153. He never claimed to be progressive, so why should he? nt

[Mithreal]

156. I don't disagree with that. Why should he indeed.

[aquart]

24. Lifted my depression clean off my head.

I don't like surprises but this was just lovely.

[opihimoimoi]

25. Been saying he is Priceless forever....I agree...he is the Best we got now. They, on the other hand

have the shallowest Bench in town...

Their brains have been comp'd by deception of the Self Kind

This prevents them of Solving anything benevolent....

Obama needs new shoes....

[frazzled]

26. I'm a little concerned ...

that people misinterpreted what they thought they heard today ... and that because of that they will be "disappointed" again.

Today, I heard the same Obama who was my senator for 4 years and who campaigned on a theme of changing the way things are done in Washington. Yes, he broached no lies or misrepresentations from this group, but his message wasn't about "fighting" or "kicking their asses," as I've seen it portrayed so many times here today. It was about the ways in which our politics betrays our ability to get anything done, and it was a lesson aimed as much at us as it was at the right. It was the lesson that says when we box ourselves into these ideological corners and dig our heels in and insist on getting it all or accepting nothing, then we go nowhere.

I was as ecstatic as everyone today, and it was one of the most compelling political performances I may ever have seen. But this was the Obama you have had all along really: the one who has tried to explain that one must stand on one's principles, but that democracy consists in having to make compromises with people you disagree with sometimes. And that's not to place him in the position of a centrist: it is to say that he is a left-leaning progressive who believes strongly, but knows that in a democracy we must work together in the interests of the people first and foremost, however imperfectly, to continue the (never-ending) task of to achieving a more perfect union.

I hope everyone doesn't wake up in the morning with a hangover.

[JCMach1]

27. I agree. While it took guts, I saw it as another attempt to placate

the middle and the right.

i.e. don't be disappointed when it's all about the triangulation at the end of the day with the left frozen out of the conversation entirely.

[frazzled]

28. Well, you are basically proving my prediction that people didn't understand it

Because you aren't agreeing with me at all. He wasn't trying to placate the middle or the right. He is trying to get things done, while brooking no political posturing or nonsense.

But I see you may be viewing it only as a round in a WWF wrestling match. If that's your perspective, then yes, you will be disappointed. And Obama will be correct: we can't get anything done if people are looking for smackdown.

[Ardent15]

31. I agree with you: he has beleived this all along

He wants to change the tone of the debate.

[JCMach1]

36. Triangulation is not so much wrestling, but finessing...

I 100% agree Obama hasn't changed his position. Just check his comments about bi-partisanship from 2004 on.

What I saw was Obama providing some 'smackdown' if you will... red meat for the left. However, the words I heard were consistent with what he has said all along.

Seeing his success over the last year with this, color me skeptical that he will ever get anywhere with this.

[Faryn Balyncd]

40. With triagulation we end up peddling as HC "reform" that is basically the GOP's 1993 bill...

....as the President correctly points out.


Only now the GOP is calling their own former proposals "socialism" as they attempt to drag the terms of debate further to the right.


The GOP's success will not be in defeating the bill. They have succeeded because through such tactics they have manipulated the President into totally abandoning the public plan that was the heart of his reform, and adopted a re-warmed 1993 Republican No-Public-Option mandate.


And to top off their success, Democrats will get the entire blame and backlash from the voters, who supported the Public Option but strongly oppose the plan we have now triangulated ourselves into peddling.





:kick:

[sabrina 1]

45. Excellent post.

I will wait and see also. I heard the president tell Republicans 'I gave you so much of what you wanted, I don't understand why you keep saying I didn't and why you still don't like me'. Maybe I'm hearing something different to everyone else, but he doesn't need Republicans so why is he still begging for something from them he will never get? Why not just leave them in the dust, pass a real Healthcare Reform Bill and THEN, just in time for the election, call them what they are, obstructionists who are working against the American people?

What does he hope to gain from this? It's not at all clear to me. He did this last year also, btw.And one of the headlines I saw back then he met with them said something like 'Republicans Swoon For Obama'. Then after he kept more of his promises to THEM, than to US, they slammed him anyway. I think that is why he went there yesterday, to ask them why and complain that they were not happy with all he has done for them.

Sorry, I'm just not as enthused about what I saw, as everyone else.

[Mithreal]

110. +1

I didn't hear much Progressive change in the SOTU. I heard mores calls to bipartisanship. Compromise is not something I am willing to sell to people, I am just not that good of a salesperson, nor do I want to be.

Our dear Dem Leaders abandoned principles for compromise before the fight was even joined.

As far as disappointments, I wasn't terribly disappointed because I didn't expect that much. I expected him to be a traditional Democratic president. On foreign policy, that's hardly any different from a Republican--as nationalist, expansionist, imperial and warlike. So in that sense, there's no expectation and no disappointment. On domestic policy, traditionally Democratic presidents are more reformist, closer to the labor movement, more willing to pass legislation on behalf of ordinary people--and that's been true of Obama. But Democratic reforms have also been limited, cautious. Obama's no exception. On healthcare, for example, he starts out with a compromise, and when you start out with a compromise, you end with a compromise of a compromise, which is where we are now. - Howard Zinn

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20100201/forum/6#zinn

[JCMach1]

168. You are right... what we have is essentially the Dole plan of 1993

Which is now SOCIALISM to the repug crew.

[Danascot]

55. The problem is

in order to pass anything progressive, we'd have to have ALL the dems PLUS a couple of repugs. The GOP strategy of just say no to anything Obama supports is working beautifully for them, and they'll continue to get away with it because only a few brave dems like Grayson and Sanders call bullshit on them. We'd have to have a vocal majority of the dems calling them on it and the MSM doing their job for it to happen. Won't happen because our dems are terrified that they're not conservative enough as it is and they're as much corporate owned as the GOP. Despite Obama's virtuoso performance yesterday, I don't see my country turning around to anything salvageable anytime soon.

[Mithreal]

116. Then just listen to his framing.

[malaise]

44. No wonder you're

frazzled.
If you weren't energized after yesterday, nothing can energize you. :shrug:

[frazzled]

48. I was energized ...

I just think a lot of people (once again) didn't really understand what he was saying. There are too many here who believe in the "steel cage matches" he was denigrating.

[malaise]

50. I hear you

but all victories are victories - even symbolic ones. :hi:

[Mithreal]

118. It's true, some people are harder to please than others.

Please don't discount the reasons why some do not feel the same joy.

There are better ways to charge one's batteries than SOTU speeches.

[blondeatlast]

154. You said it far better than what I've been thinking, but I've been thinking

much the same.

I just could not put it into words, try as I might.

[Better Today]

29. Don't mind me while I wait to see what he does in the next quarter

before I decide whether to agree with you premise.

[eridani]

30. That depends entirely on how much populist red meat he and the Dems--

--throw at the public before November.

[Hekate]

32. Happy to kick and rec

:kick:

[yurbud]

35. I disagree with what Obama has done, but would never call him a wimp or in over his head

He's profoundly confident and sharp, and I still reserve some hope that he's playing a long con on not just the GOP but the DLC and the patrons of both.

[Mithreal]

135. If I find an old lamp, I will give you the first rub. If wishes were horses...

[yurbud]

177. if that's the re-election slogan Rahm's gonna use for Obama he's in trouble. You can't say ...

''Fuck you'' to your base over and over while servicing the corporations, banks, and Wall Street scum that have done so much harm and expect us to get excited about going to the polls on election day because you're 5% less corrupt than Bush was.

[elocs]

37. This is the President I want to see: one with fight and fire in his belly

who will take it to the mattresses. He needs to govern with the fight and passion he needed to win the nomination and the election. That is the road to his success, and ours.

[sendero]

38. I'll agree with you...

... only on the condition that Obama DO something other than talk.

His rhetorical victory was decisive, but so far I see no indication that it will result in any sort of legislative victories.

Basically, whether or not there has been a "change of trajectory" or not depends entirely on future actions.

[malaise]

39. Great post

I'd like to be a fly on the wall among ReTHUGS this weekend.

They were fugging PWNED.

[Lesleymo]

41. Totally agree

He handled the situation brilliantly. Called em out when they lied, smiled when they made a ridiculous point, and answered their lame ol' talking points without a hint of mean-ness or anger. Way to go.

[pipi_k]

42. I can almost see it in my mind...

how, like most bullies, they must have been virtually drooling and pissing themselves for the chance to tear Obama apart en masse.

A group of snarling, bug-riddled and mangy hyenas surrounding the lion caught unawares out on the savannah...


Suddenly, the lion rises up and becomes ten lions, even though he's only one.


And the hyenas come away clawed and bitten into bloody shreds, wondering just what the hell hit them.

And what makes this mental cartoon rather appropriate is that Obama was born under the zodiacal sign of Leo, the lion...


:)

[Ikonoklast]

43. They thought it would be like being on Faux Snooze

where they could just shout, lie, and talk over the other side, and no one would stop them.

When The President Of The United States walks into a room, it's not just the man that is there.

It's kinda hard to be a dick, face-to-face, to the man that holds that office, without looking the fool.

[Threedifferentones]

46. More cult of personality BS.

Every so often, Obama finds words which are so inspiring even I am tempted to buy in. If only he would come up with some awesome policies to go along with his speeches.

The thing is, the same day I read this thread, I also read Obama wants to drastically increase our nuclear weapons budget, since, you know, having many times more nukes than the next guy, and enough to destroy the whole world alone, just ain't enough.

More great speeches just equals more lies. There will be no change I can believe in with a Dem OR a repub as president, that's pretty clear.

[Mithreal]

139. Might want to read that whole article.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

47. Will the Dems in Congress get enough mojo to stop funding a lost war?

Or, cut defense spending?

[rucky]

49. For one news cycle, at least.

There was plenty of red meat in that exchange for the media. What's next after this plays out, though?

[MorningGlow]

51. Well put!

The only mistake Obama has made has been expecting the politicians who populate Washington to behave like adults. He spoke to them like adults, and they responded like spoiled children. This past year has been the "give 'em enough rope" period, the time that Obama can now point to and say, "Well, look, I OFFERED to let you participate like normal human beings". From now on they hang themselves or get with the program.

I like it. :D

On edit: grammar

[MilesColtrane]

56. The Republican show and tell smackdown energized Obama's supporters.

But, it will have little effect on Republicans.

I think he's really trying to influence the mushy middle, but a lot of those people are low info voters who probably didn't see, and won't see the exchange.

Aggregate outcome is a wash.

[treestar]

57. K&R

We need to get behind the President and make Congress ashamed to do anything to obstruct his agenda. I'm amazed so many progressives don't get that. It's to the point where you have to wonder if they really want what they say they do. They do so much to undermine any progress.

[Tailormyst]

58. I really, really hope so

I am remaining cautious, but slightly more optomistic. If the Dems would simply gain some self confidence, there is so much good that could be done.

[B Calm]

59. I look for him to transform into the next FDR! He's only going to get better

as time goes by. The man is mesmerizing and just unbelievable! He will go down as the greatest president this country has ever had!

[Spazito]

60. Watching the President yesterday I saw....

someone who:

has a FULL grasp of the issues, both the big picture side AND the details within that big picture including the financial numbers, the history behind the big picture, etc.

has a complete understanding of how the repubs are going to work, why they are doing what they are doing and calling them out on it, showing the public the difference between 'playing politics' and getting the work done the public wants done.

knows how to use humor while using a scalpel to dissect the repub 'talking points'.

It was absolutely fascinating to watch, imo.

Recommended.

[Odin2005]

63. Talk is cheap.

[treestar]

97. What do you mean by that?

that is is useless for the President to show his intelligence and that he is informed on the issues?

Palin talks. Is that worth the same thing?

[theFrankFactor]

161. Bush's SOTUS... Did You Give a Damn About Those? Did He Deliver? Did He Blow Sunshine Up ...

This is a nice floor show. The record shows this President is impotent.

[cachukis]

64. Here's hoping Frank Rich comments.

[ecstatic]

65. My mom called me laughing about how she would have handled the questions

He's amazing when it comes to responding to assholes. Most of us could NOT do it without lashing out at least once.

[BlueJac]

66. How was that Kool aid anyway???

what flavor was it??? You will be woken up soon.

[Mithreal]

68. Rec'd but I don't entirely agree. I do welcome a President who kicks R ass

and welcomes the opportunity.

Fingers crossed.

I trust my instincts and will keep pressuring though.

Rhetoric is on clearance and I am still not buying. Maybe it would be better for me to buy low and sell high but I am not falling for that. When the talk is closer to the action, when the talk is closer to what average Americans want and need, well then I am willing to negotiate. Surrendering to conservatives in our own party is weakness to extreme.

Other than that I appreciate the sentiment.

[BumRushDaShow]

69. K&R

Democrats must make CONGRESS do its job. This system of government is not ruled by a dictator.

:kick:

[azmouse]

71. I saw the President I knew was there all along.

I'm happy. :)

[invisible]

72. Well done, President Obama!

I loved President Obama’s State of the Union speech, and I loved President Obama’s Question and Answer session even more.

[pundaint]

75. Yeah, go ahead and kick it Charlie Brown, he'll hold the ball this time for sure.

[SlingBlade]

76. Yea, Your Overstating It, But no more so

Than others.

[CanonRay]

77. Yes, but how do we get "teh stupid" in this country to see what we've got?

All they are focused on is that he's "muslim" and was born out of the country!

[themaguffin]

78. I think so, but they have to continue, they just can't "ride" it

[Yurovsky]

86. Exactly, one guy can't do it alone...

and he shouldn't HAVE TO with the size of majorities in both houses. I'm tired of some blaming the GOP... what did you EXPECT them to do, go along with our agenda??? All we have to do is instill some sort of discipline on Congressional members, and I think a good place to start is with the Dem House & Senate Campaign committee checkbook - you don't feel like supporting the President and the party? Well, perhaps the party might not be so crazy about supporting you... or possibly a good primary runoff might be in order. The grassroots movement that swept Democrats into power can certainly find plenty of viable candidates who'll actually behave like DEMOCRATS when they get to DC.

Nancy Pelosi is doing a pretty good job in the House (although the checkbook should be used as a weapon to ensure even great compliance); Harry Reid has been an unmitigated disaster...

[Overseas]

79. K&R. I was uplifted watching that. //nt

[jonathon]

88. This is so sad & wrong on such profound and deep levels

This President advocates nuclear power, off shore drilling, and the mythological clean coal for energy development.

If you look at the top of the DU front page today, he is seeking a MAJOR increase for funding nuclear weapons.

He just successfully reappointed Bernacke.

He is keeping Geithner on.

He refuses to push for any health care reform that addresses the actual CAUSE of the crisis. Instead, he wants to mandate the very system that has brought our health care system to its knees, the for profit corporations. He lacks the courage to claim health CARE as a right that should not be impinged upon by a for profit capitalist system. He sold his own colleagues in Congress down the river opposing the reimportantion of drugs from Canda amendment in the health reform legislation.

He has expanded Bush era policies of increased executive power.

He wants another 33 billion dollars for the war in Afghanistan and Iraq at the same time he want to freeze domestic spending on vitally needed programs for the poor, vulnerable, and most at risk populations.

This man is not our allie. This man does not represent the people. His policy initiative and his actions betray the people.
You think a person who can't stand up and fight on principle but forever hides behind phony bipartisanship to shield himself from fighting for true principle will bring us to a better place.

I completely disagree. I can't believe people are still falling for this game.

Obama has shown who he is - and it isn't one of us. He is one of THEM.

[kstewart33]

144. Ok, so let's throw him out and put one of THEM in.

How's about Cheney? or Boehner? Pence? How about McCain - he'd do wonders for the economy. Sarah Palin anyone?

You want it all or you dismiss it all.

He doesn't give you everything you want, so he's dirt.

How about considering this: devise another list of everything we've gotten in the last year that absolutely no Repub would ever support.

[old mark]

90. I was one who called him a coward. I was wrong, and I think he did change a lot

of minds the last few days, some on the right and even some on the left.

I am hoping many of us here get on our congress persons' ass to get to work in support of the President.

I still want to see some change in the "patriot" Act and related anti-American laws, and I still want to see more of the Obama I saw last week.

I have thought for some time that the GOP would lose even more seats in the November elections, and I believe this is starting to happen as of last week.

Whatever you did, keep it up...we all certainly had fun and feel better, and maybe got some hope back.


mark

[madmax]

96. Two thumbs up! n/t

[mudplanet]

98. Watching the Q&A was difficult, a little like reading a Chomsky book.

The issues are surrounded by and framed by BS - misinformation, pernicious half-truths, and outright lies. And suddenly you're listening to someone who perspective is reality-based. It shakes up your worldview and can make you uncomfortable.

Viva Obama!

[western mass]

99. Bernanke approved = NOTHING changed

just more talk to keep the eternally hopeful eternally hoping

[Lorien]

105. Bingo. I'm amazed that so many are suckered by meaningless rhetoric AGAIN.

Actions, not words.

[pattmarty]

100. Well, let's see what happens in the next month. So far my opinion.............

.............is a Black Bill Clinton. I really hope I am wrong and he has finally got his shit together, but I have my doubts. What will all the "hero worshipers" say after he completes two years and still nothing? It really depresses me that he IS NOT the fighter for working class people that I had hoped for.

[Th1onein]

101. Why can't he do this with the Democrats in Congress, is what I want to know?

Let's get a public fucking option, for God's sake. NOT a mandate to buy from the very crooks who have left us without healthcare while taking our fucking money pretending to insure us.

[Politicub]

102. I agree with you. We have a long road ahead...

But I'm so glad he stood up to the GOP and so publicly to boot. And when he entered the lion's dean on Friday, he came away not only unscathed, but victorious.

It's amazing what two appearances by President Obama can accomplish. All I can say is More More More!!

:kick: :toast: :fistbump:

[Political Heretic]

104. I enjoyed the performance. But I've seen little policy from this adminstration to get excited about

What I see here are lots of people absolutely desperate to fine some reason - any reason - to keep clinging to hope that one noble leader will fix things for us.

You are our "fighter," along with me - its up to people to stand up, not one man or a political class dominated mostly by its own interest in maintaining its own power and position.


You are our policy-wonk, along with me - its up to people to wake up, and engage in understanding how bad policy gets made, what it looks like, and why its made, along with the commitment to being personally informed by independent analysis, rather than simply seeking out political talking points or partisan opinion makers for that "understanding."

You are our ethical leader, along with me - its up to use to demand not just social justice, but economic justice from a corrupt system in which corporate will and political power seeking are blended into one horrible machine.

All in one person? That's what's wrong with our country right now. We keep emotionally investing all our hopes and wishful thinking into one person - looking for some inspirational figure to comfort us with the thought that he or she will fix everything so that we don't have to worry about it and can go about our business.

Barack Obama was so very right one one thing he said: we are the change we've been waiting for. We are. Not any one man. Not even any one political party. Web are what we've been waiting on.

President Obama is the only thing standing between us and the bad guys right now.

Reading the above sentence this morning brought tears to my eyes. And overreaction I suppose. But I'm so weary and saddened by the number of people so desperate for a Savior so that they can go about their business in peace that they ignore the truths of history told over and over and over and over again.

President Obama, no matter how great one believes the man to be, is not standing between us and the "bad guys." We stand on the front line Our political leaders - even ones that we think are "great," are only as good as the people demand that they be.

FDR did not come into office with radical liberal ideas. His political history in New York was exactly the opposite - economically conservative and business friendly. His first year in the Presidency was not what we now remember when we think of FDR. And FDRs transformation from political economic conservative to authentic liberal and populist occurred because of the overwhelming anger and action of ordinary people - who were fed up and in the streets in protest.

While I'm not necessarily ready to put my stamp of approval on rioting, it was the fact that there was enough popular action to even sustain large riots in cities across the country that reflects a period in term where people decided that they were the change they've been waiting for.

Today, we couldn't find enough popular awareness to start a riot in a driveway, let in cities and townships in every state across the union. It's not "rioting" that I admire or long for. It's people in the streets absolutely demanding the change they want to see, and refusing to accept all of the silly political apologetic about why they're "just not being reasonable."

A time when general motors works chained themselves to their machines and refused to leave, shutting down GM in their fight for fair wages and rights. A time when people marched in masses and confronted exploiting bankers or rich right in their faces and made it impossible for them to continue on with business as usual.

I say this again, and you should note my full agreement with Obama on this point and my use of his own words: WE are the CHANGE we've been waiting for!

He was so right about that, and yet here we are - looking to one man to be our savior. That's got to change.

[Eyes_wide_ open]

132. wow

Not much tempts me to leave my perch in "Lurkdom" and jump into the waters at DU but this post compels me. Very thoughtful and thought provoking, thank you.

I hope you don't mind if I quote you

"I'm so weary and saddened by the number of people so desperate for a Savior so that they can go about their business in peace that they ignore the truths of history told over and over and over and over again."

That's a keeper

[wouldsman]

106. I am one of the knee cappers

I sent OFA a scathing letter a few weeks ago. Told them no more cash, no more phonebanking, no more door knocking. After last night the door is open again. At least ajar, I could rejoin the movement. Several posters above have got the same concerns that I do. I would like to think that there are enough of us kneecappers out here that have raised our voices so that he remembers we exist, and that we could rejoin the loyalists sometime soon.
For those of us that like the water cooler wars- yesterdays event was a work of beauty.

[ginnyinWI]

108. Glad he's on our side.

I'm also glad MSNBC is giving it extensive coverage--the two-hour recap was shown twice last night and at least once today instead of the usual prison docs.

[greengestalt]

109. Love Obama!

He's really turned himself around!

I was having my doubts, but his presidential speech renewed my hope. And, IMO, if there was any chance he was a "Corporate Sock Puppet" no way in the world would he be specifically telling the American public and the Republicans that he will end "Tax breaks and Subsidies for companies that export jobs."


We need to support him, and put pressure on our congressmen and local officials to either work with Obama or we vote them out.

[mikekohr]

112. BaRocky Obama Beat the Ugly Off the GOP Asses

All 140 of them, and all at once.

mike kohr

[Utopian Leftist]

113. Big Time K&R

I think you're on to something important. Especially this:

Give. the. benefit. of. the. doubt.

The Repukes are not deep or complex enough to try giving the benefit of the doubt. To anyone or anything. Their brains can only handle fright, fight or flight. They've yet to offer Obama a compromise on anything. Obama is a true peacemaker. Not a true progressive unfortunately but we all know that a true progressive is not electable in this political climate.

But most importantly of all, I think, Obama has shown himself to be a person of REASON.

[RBInMaine]

115. ONLY if the following things happen does is this a real game-changer:

1) CONTINUE BEING OUT THERE IN THE PUBLIC CONNECTING TO THE PEOPLE EMOTIONALLY. The folks need to know that he feels their anxiety and is working overtime to help.

2) HE NEEDS TO KEEP GOING WITH A CLEAR, CONCRETE, SOLID MESSAGE THAT RESONATES: "I understand what you are going through. I GET IT ! And here is exactly what I am trying to do about it. (List the policies.) And the other side? While I am trying to fix the mess THEY made, and even include some things they should be able to support, they are simply trying to block everything I do JUST for political gain and nothing else, no matter how hard I have tried to reach out to them." THIS needs to the narrative: I AM ABOUT ACTION, THEY ARE ABOUT OBSTRUCTION.

3) HE AND THE DEM CONGRESS NEED TO GET IN CLEAR SYNC ON MESSAGE AND ACTION, AND THEY MUST GET 'ER DONE. The Dem conress MUST PRODUCE results. They need to show that have tried to reach out to R's but no matter what they do or say, the R's simply refuse to play, and they need to yell that from he rooftops. Then roll over them, even with reconciliation in some cases. (***That CAN NOT be used in all cases. It is a limited tool.) And PASS POPULAR THINGS TODAY ! (i.e the jobs stimulus, banking regs, the popular insurance reform pieces as a start, new campaign finance reform, etc.) Dems need to get together, get united, get on message, and get things DONE !

DO THIS, AND THEY WILL CHANGE THE DYNAMIC FOR THE FALL.

[Joe Chi Minh]

126. No. No. And No. Your post is all about message. His deeds should be his message. Nothing could

or would speak more eloquently; especially after his 'Hamlet' prologue.

[rhett o rick]

117. I like the tough attitude, but rather have results. I'd feel better if he was getting

tough on single payer, or bringing our troops home, or stopping the rampant speculation by the banksters, or repealing Patriot Act, etc, etc.

[Bluesbreaker]

119. It was a good speech, but

actions speak louder than words. We need to see a strong jobs bill, robust financial regulation restored and further defiance of Wall Street.

The ongoing concern about the deficit is troublesome. Trying to reduce the deficit is what killed Hoover and nearly ruined FDR in 1937 (after his stimulus measures had started to get the economy back on track).

Then, as noted earlier, there's the dysfunctional Senate and the quivering Congress, paralyzed like deer in the headlights after the GOP win in Massachusetts. What's needed is some party discipline: rewards for those who get with the program and punishment (loss of chairmanships and other positions) for those who don't. The Dems track record on this score is very poor indeed.

[tpsbmam]

120. Yeah, and then his Justice department clears the Bush lawyers.....

So far, a little of pretty talk, a big crappy action. We shall see.

Ed for typo

[LaPera]

121. Yep overstating....Helplessly hoping - Nothing will change!!

When I see congress push through a health care public option bill kicking the teeth out of the spineless Dems like Reid & the fucking Blue Dogs to get the bill passed....

When I see the Dems push legislation through to get back to a 51 vote majority as the proper way to pass legislation, instead of caving to the republicans bullshit tactics of 60 votes and allowing of their obstructionist way....

When I see the president and congress say fuck you to the republicans and their small 41% minority and call out these lying republican bastards at every turn and ignore their no compromise bullshit...

Then I will gladly say I'm wrong....But it's not gonna happen...

The Dems are masters at not taking it further when they have the chance & stuffing it down the republicans throats, no killer instinct, the Dems always blow good opportunities, then go hiding so one one can find them, scared shitless somewhere, and worst paid off by some corporate interest lobbyist to keep the status quo....and bills don't get passed.

While the corporate fascist republicans will continue spit in the frightened Dems faces again and again....the Dems unfortunately have no track record lately to prove me wrong and to give them the benefit of the doubt...even though I want to more than anything else.

It'll be the same old stifling, business as usual Dems fighting among themselves not united to do anything, certainly not passing bills that need to be passed that are right for the workers & middle class.

[Joe Chi Minh]

122. I don't hink you need half Obama' intelligence to stand up in front of a room full of

crooked half-wits and make fools of them.

What are you talking about, scheming daemon? If Obama ends up leaving any Democratic legacy commensurate with the needs of the times, it will be because he just lost the safest Senate seat in the country in rag-time. He needed propulsion. He's always had a way with words.

The people who have critised Obama up to now will be far more pleased to see him turn out to be an ace president than the compulsive yea-sayers, because they know what 'bad' is, and care about the difference. But I'm wondering just how much you do understand, yourself.

[LynneSin]

123. Think about it - could you imagine Bush doing that with a roomful of Dems?

:rofl:

[Duende azul]

141. And what if? Would they have done him any harm?

With a roomful of pretzels he would have been at more risk to find some opposition than with a stadium full of Dem politicians.

Maybe he would have gone awol nonetheless.

[kstewart33]

143. It is hilarious when you picture that in your mind. nt

[SemperEadem]

125. I've always had the sneaking suspicion

that Obama was going to do exactly what has fallen out in experience. Rope a dope,s0n.

[berni_mccoy]

127. Nope, not understating it. And many who responded negatively in this thread, well

they just don't get it. Too bad for them.

[liberal_at_heart]

128. I hope so but until I see some real action words mean nothing

I would love to see him fire all the people in his administration that are ex-lobbyists. That to me would signify a real action. Or put single payer back on the table or at the very least put public option back on the table. Something. I want to believe in Obama but so far he has given me nothing to believe in.

[Quasimodem]

129. I never for a moment thought President Obama lacked fortitude.

Anyone who is not an old white male has got to have sand to even get nominated.

What I question is his commitment to the things he campaigned on which I really care about.

[liberal_at_heart]

130. I've really been disappointed in how he tries to defend himself in interviews

When someone confronts him on what he campaigned on and what he is actually doing he backtracks and he looks just like every other politician out there. If you're going to set yourself apart from all the other slimy, lying politicians at least be straight and honest with us.

[ibegurpard]

131. He bought himself some time to change the narrative

we'll see if his actions warrant it.

[Skittles]

136. I really, really hope so

he needs to take the ball and run with it

[mother earth]

137. I want more of this. Obama has disappointed me, as a true

progressive that has waited years and years for the democratic presidency to overturn the blasphemies under GW, and make our democracy work again. Ok, I've been harsh on him, but he can have me back if we see more of this in your face (of course, done respectfully, but I'll take it) logic. He needs to do this every week, this is mandatory. The public has been proven to be illiterate when it comes to understanding and following current events and our own country's political climate, hell, they don't know who's who, and they are plain weary, those who do work, that is.

Mix that in with the truly hate-ridden followers of Fox news, and you have a recipe for the American dysfunctional family. They'd rather watch American Idol than follow what's truly important.

So, as dissentful as I've been of late, I'm giving major kudos to Obama. But, let's keep the momentum going, and lets kick ass for change. Hell, let's kick it for hope & change!

[Faygo Kid]

140. One "win" does not a victory make.

I loved it. Fox News is spinning like crazy.

But I don't see that health care reform - even the limited Senate bill - has passed.

I need to see more. I liked it, make no mistake - but it alone is not enough.

[eagertolearn]

142. You are so right! I started getting my energy back when Brown won

in Mass. I knew that was the best reality check Obama could have that something needed to change. I do believe, i do believe, i do believe that Obama will do what is right (he does need to sit down at the table and talk to the doctors who are fighting for single payer...he has been ignoring them and they are the ones who know how screwed up our health care system is and the road we should take to fix it.

http://madashelldoctors.com/

[stuart68]

145. "once-in-a-generation leader" - not quite

that would have been demonstrated by getting a real hc bill passed. There are many, many great debaters and orators who couldn't lead their way out of a paper bag but could have delivered the performance in fron of the repubs.

I have yet to see any real leadership from Obama. He has a majority, he should have used it ! He couldn't even lead the people who supposedly support him.

[OhioBlue]

167. I disagree - about the leadership

I'll agree that we needed more of it over the past year.. but what I saw yesterday was indeed true leadership. He isn't just the leader of the Democrats, the is the leader of our Nation. He was strong, calm, cool, collected, well informed and articulated very well a vision of both parties working together in the interest of Americans. It is sad that D.C. needs to be reminded of this - but they do and they need reminded from a competent LEADER. He did that. Obviously, all aspects of leadership aren't exercised in one speech, one occasion, one anything... but setting a vision and inspiring the heart was obvious. He could have failed the test, but passed with grace.

We both know the majority of Republicans will return to their ways.. but I'll bet he made a lot of them think.. and might have reached a couple. For any American that watched objectively, they saw a strong leader.

[stuart68]

172. It is a step

but the problem is that he did this to get elected and should have leveraged it to get things done.

My concern is he is listening to people who what him to take a long view, ie, term 2. I wanted to see a guy get in there and kick butt. He had the biggest coalition in history, the american people, an that could have trumped congress.

A true leader would have gone in there and led, not try to leverage the same machine that got us into this crap. He could have and should have broken all the eggs, not just a few.

that is why I am disappointed.

[shellgame26]

147. Can you even imagine

Bush pulling that off?

[readmoreoften]

148. Best of luck!

[begin_within]

150. It's great, but I keep thinking that loss in Massachusetts triggered this change.

It's too bad we didn't see Obama acting like this last year. I keep thinking that the Democratic leadership interpreted the loss of Ted Kennedy's seat as a signal from the Democratic voters that they weren't happy with the direction of both the Obama administration and Congressional Democrats, and were ready to punish them for that. It was a wake-up call. I don't think it's a coincidence that Obama's new "mojo" started right after that loss.

[eagertolearn]

169. I Agree. I feel it was the start of everyone getting re-energized by his response too.

[Don Draper]

151. There is no doubt Obama schooled the repukes yesterday

I just hope that he keeps it up. If Obama gets lax again and keeps trying to be "bi-partisan", then he will lose more political capital. He needs to continually call out these weasles for the obstructionists they are

[the jungle]

155. Ask

Now we can sit back and watch Obama or we can get involved and play the hand we have been dealt. The republican party is venerable because they have no plan for anything. No health care no energy no shrink the government, nothing but NO. Take the fight to them ask the questions and do it loud and clear.
The republicans stopped Clinton's healthcare plan, they did nothing with healthcare for eight years of bush and now they are stopping healthcare again. So ask why do you hate the working poor. So quit blaming Obama and take the fight to the republicans. just cause we elect him don't mean our work is done.

[MissDeeds]

157. You're right, you're overstating it

:hi:

[bagimin]

158. K&R

[DatManFromNawlins]

162. The difference between a salesman and a politician is that...

... the salesman can get sued if he misrepresents what he's selling to you. I'll believe the President when I see results, but he doesn't seem to have a clue when it comes to leadership. Talking tough and making tough decisions are two entirely different things. If he doesn't have the balls to request that dysfunctional "leaders" like Pelosi and Reid step down, then he doesn't have what it takes.

[johnnyplankton]

163. Thank You. I was thinking it earlier today...

but sometimes you don't want to get fooled again. At the very least, I'm back on board.

[watajob]

164. I'm not from Missouri but...

...show me. Talk is cheap. When I see at least a real public option or, better yet, single payer back on the table; when I see REAL financial reforms; when I see Rahmbo sending out his resumes, THEN I'll believe.

[totodeinhere]

165. No, that meeting with the GOP will be forgotton soon.

Do you think for even one minute that it will change the puke's behavior? Of course it won't. And in the mean time the bad news just keeps piling up such as the news today that the two Torturegate lawyers who worked for Bush are going to skate.

The biggest news of the past few days was not Obama's SOTU speech or his meeting with the House Republicans. It was the gutting of the campaign finance laws by the five reactionaries on the Supreme Court. If you are suddenly optimistic, maybe you need to take off your rose colored glasses.

[Tanelorn]

166. Thank you Republicans

This does seem to be a game changer. 

All we have to hope for now is that 
" All good people need to come to the aid of the
party"

[Marr]

175. It was a wonderful performance, but it *was* only a performance.

I don't understand how people can get so charged up about words. Some of the people I've seen vibrating with renewed glee around here were saying they felt let down just a couple of weeks ago, because the President 'knows how to talk, but doesn't follow through with actions'. Two good public performances later, they're right back in their place. It amazes me.

These are WORDS you're gushing about-- and election year words at that. When and if Obama follows these words up with real actions to achieve something substantive and meaningful, I'll get in line and cheer with you. But I am not going to cheer for words and nothing else, and I don't consider myself a "kneecapper" because of it.

[closeupready]

184. As one of his recent detractors, I am heartened by the change, and yes, I do notice it, as well.

I hope he follows through, and if so, I will sing his praises from here to eternity. :)