“When you hear people saying that he’s not giving us any direction, what they’re really saying is,

[Pirate Smile]

‘He’s not giving us any cover.’"

OBAMA AND THE DEMS -- Some congressional Democrats have criticized President Obama for not weighing in on how they should proceed with health care reform, but a White House official said Thursday that the president is in “close consultation” with Dem leadership. “He’s been in conversations with the leaders and they know where he wants to go,” the official said. But the official declined to say whether those discussions have included legislative strategy talks. Democrats are struggling to figure out how to move forward, floating several proposals that might work in a new political environment where they no longer control a 60-vote Senate majority. The administration seems to have decided that they need to stop talking process and start emphasizing substance. “We’re just not getting into tactics. It’s just not a productive conversation right now. What’s important is to talk about the benefits for the country,” the official said. “Too much time has been spent discussing tactics.” Indeed, many Democrats feel that the relentless coverage of how reform is getting done– including legislative deal-making and intraparty conflict – has cost the legislation much of its public support. In his State of the Union address, Obama acknowledged that reality and emphasized the benefits of reform – lower premiums, deficit reductions and tighter insurance regulations. As for the gripe that Obama isn’t providing enough tactical direction, a senior Senate Democratic aide said, “When you hear people saying that he’s not giving us any direction, what they’re really saying is, ‘He’s not giving us any cover.’ … What people are saying is, ‘We would like some cover.’” But for now at least, it doesn’t look like Democrats on the Hill will be getting much.

http://www.politico.com/politicopulse/

This has been true for the past 6 months.

I don't know why Congressional Dems think it looks better to say Obama forced us to do something. First, he can't literally force them and, second, it makes them look weak.

[babylonsister]

1. The Congressional Dems sound brain dead to me; why can't

they just make the right decisions, why do they need so much guidance? They know what the President wants, to pass HCR. Very frustrating.

Edit to add, not all Dems, just the constant whiners.

[depakid]

4. That's been the nature of Democrats in Congress since at least the 1970's

and no, they don't know "what the President wants" because he's been anything but clear- even as to what he'll accept.

That's why we got the very public fiasco- stretched out for closing in on a year.

[DrDan]

2. of course they take direction from him

it would look ridiculous for them to pass a bill and have it overturned by the WH

[Jennicut]

3. Seriously, Nancy seems to be the only one plotting a strategy in the Capitol building.

[Clio the Leo]

5. Exactly. NT

[impik]

6. Spineless "public servants"