Possible explanation: Obama thinks he's doing a reverse psychology thing

[Waiting For Everyman]

on us. That's what I'm wondering today anyway, a thought that occurred to me while reading some other posts on here... Maybe he thinks that if he says he's really, really on our side about something, then that lets him cave on it without being "obvious". Like being against tax cuts for the rich... "oh, I'm against them too just as much as you are, but it's the best that could be done" (hypothetical quote not actual). Same thing on the public option, DADT, and the rest of the list.

That's cynical, I know, and I'm not even cynical enough myself to believe that's actually true of Obama... but it does explain what we're seeing. It is true though that if he (or anyone) had intended ahead of time to oppose all of our issues, that would be the way to do it - stake out the same position we have, and then sacrifice it.

I do definitely feel though, a very heavy "good cop, bad cop" vibe going on, from Obama and the Rethugs.

[BeyondGeography]

1. He is doing something very complicated

Punt this time around because what he's really interested in in Simpson-Bowles and revamping the tax code. The Republicans need to be his partners in that as well.

Not good if you think Simpson-Bowles, with its even lower top rates and elimination of deductions (that the Republicans will surely one day re-institute) is a steaming pile.

[hlthe2b]

2. I have exhausted myself creating these kind of explanations

for the inexpliable. Sometimes (often) the obvious answer is the right one. Sorry for the cynisism....

[emulatorloo]

4. The most obvious answer is that Obama did not have the votes in the Senate to pass middle class only

Senate voted on that saturday, they could not pass it. Republicans blocked it,

And the climate is not going to be more conducive next year with the Republican house.

To me if there is a woulda coulda shoulda, it is that Dems should have been working on this in July or August,

[hlthe2b]

6. I agree on your last point...

[emulatorloo]

7. I don't know if the outcome would have been any better. But it wouldn't have hurt

The procrastination on the part of congress is irritating to me,

[emulatorloo]

3. Senate tried to pass middle class only tax cut on Saturday. It failed.

Republicans blocked it. That's the background. If he had the votes for middle class only taxcuts, that is what he would prefer. But he doesn't.

It sucks but that is the reality of the Senate.

It is probably worth noting that the entire package is 800 to 900B. Out of that money, 75B goes for the taxcuts to the top 2%. That is less than 10% of the total package. Some DU'ers seem to think the whole 900B is being given to the top 2%. Most of the money is for middle class and below tax cuts, earned income tax credit, etc.

The top 2% tax cut part pisses me off and I am glad Dems in the house are giving him some hell about it.

[Myrina]

5. ... or, he's a weenie. Or, he's not really who he advertised himself to be.

:shrug:

[somone]

8. When somebody keeps beating you, it's proof that you're in good hands?

Highly improbable

[notesdev]

9. See chart

Stages of Grief

- Denial <--- you are here
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression <--- most of the rest of us are here
- Acceptance

[TBF]

10. It is mind-numbing to watch folks try to create more elaborate scenarios to "excuse" Mr. Obama's

behavior. Face it, he's just not that into you.

[piratefish08]

11. or, just perhaps, Obama is doing exactly what he wants to do.

his mask is slipping.

[NightWatcher]

12. He's not playing chess or some version of "rope a dope"...

[ellaydubya]

13. It's called compromise....a rare thing these days

I think he played this very well- he knew how both parties would react and he knows the citizens of the USA are watching closely. He is the President of the United States- not just the Democrat that won the presidency. I think he is one smart dude......only time will tell. And I hope to the gods I am right!

[RegieRocker]

14. Left handed psychology I sure hope so.