'After this week, we may all owe Obama an apology' (UK Independent)

[Jackeens]

Rupert Cornwell: After this week, we may all owe Obama an apology

Out of America: Healthcare reform, standing up to Israel, and a nuclear treaty have transformed his presidency



What a week it has been. Congress passed the most far-reaching social legislation in four decades. The US and Russia agreed the most important arms control agreement since the end of the Cold War. And an American president, his patience exhausted with Israel's procrastination over what some still describe as "the Middle East peace process", dared send off a visiting Israeli prime minister with a flea in his ear. In short, it was the week that made Barack Obama.

That of course is precisely the sort of flip journalistic judgement of which the man so strenuously disapproves. Anyone who has read his memoir Dreams from My Father, anyone who followed closely the 2008 election campaign, anyone who has watched him pause for a few moments after a question to think through his answer, will have realised that Obama is one for the long game. But a year into his administration, even the true believers were starting to have doubts.

Patience seemed to have turned into stoic passivity. That famously cerebral approach suddenly looked like dilatoriness. Even the trade-mark unflappability had come to resemble a perilous detachment from reality. The vast promise of his presidency was slowly fizzling out, as item after item on his agenda seemed to run into the sand. One respected commentator wrote earlier this month that he didn't seem to be enjoying the job. To others he gave the impression, to borrow Norman Lamont's old jibe against John Major, of being "in office, but not in power".

More: http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/rupert-cornwell/rupert-cornwell-after-this-week-we-may-all-owe-obama-an-apology-1929214.html

[rhett o rick]

1. K & R

[monmouth]

2. Yes indeed, and I would add a big effin' deal....n/t

[FrenchieCat]

3. Well, yeah....having a long view is having patience and common sense; but those are virtues!

Why those who professed to being so well informed would lack either virtues is a mystery to me. :shrug:

"In recent months we might have given the impression that Barack Obama is a dithering self-absorbed dilettante who couldn't run a whelk stall. We now recognise he is a political genius of a perseverance and farsightedness unmatched in human history. We apologise for any misunderstanding that might have arisen.......Obama, of all people, will be wary of excesses of optimism. But one thing he knows full well. Nothing succeeds like success."

[Greyskye]

15. That was my favorite line in the article. LMAO!

:rofl:

[BeyondGeography]

4. May?

[Zoeisright]

57. That was my first thought too.

The media sure as hell does owe him an apology.

[BrklynLiberal]

5. K&R

[RandomThoughts]

6. People think social rule is hierarchical.

It is more then that. It is a bunch of groups of people floating around trying to say what is happening, and make things happen by saying those things.

Like the Colbert comment on polls, make a poll, move opinion with it, until the poll is correct.


People also assume that everyone in the system does what they are told, and reports back what is happening.

There are many Bush people, or even people of other Democratic factions that push for the people that paid for their campaigns also.

Its not easy, and Democrats are not authoritarians, so they don't have the single line of thought that the Republicans have.

So personally I think he has a tough job.

The dictatorship presidency, supported by corporate money, was the model that Bush tried to create. Going against that concept is not easy, but going along with it is far from best for society.

Could go on and on about this.

But a few articles can move public opinion. So factions can try to bargain by pushing news stories to move people the direction they want. Suddenly media is claiming to have more sway then elected representatives.

or people fear only money can get a person elected, so they feel they may have to defend money interest.

There are lots of stuff that goes on.

And if media has to much sway, it is because people are not thinking critically about things.

I been thinking to counter PR bought by money when it happens, the other side needs an equally powerful broadcast system that gets the other side of the message out to the people. Although that would not be a traditional broadcast system bought by money, so it would be pretty complicated.

[Cha]

7. I along with many on this board

and those family and friends I talked to in real life never had any doubts about President Obama. We haven't supported him for three years without learning a thing a two about him.

We do also know that nothing happens instantly especially when he came in after 8 years of America being thrown to the wolves and how the wolves would always be salivating at the Door of Democracy.

Never ever believe anything the corporatemediawhores have to say about this President or anything because his agenda is not their bottom line.

Look where this article came from..the UK with a very elegant pic, btw.

"And after its failure to stop healthcare reform, Republican obstructionism looks less menacing. The prospects for financial market reform, climate and energy legislation and immigration reform have suddenly brightened. Obama, of all people, will be wary of excesses of optimism. But one thing he knows full well. Nothing succeeds like success."

Thanks, Jackeens..

[givemebackmycountry]

59. NO SHIT...

"And after its failure to stop healthcare reform, Republican obstructionism looks less menacing. The prospects for financial market reform, climate and energy legislation and immigration reform have suddenly brightened. Obama, of all people, will be wary of excesses of optimism. But one thing he knows full well. Nothing succeeds like success."


THANKS JACKEENS!

[Top Cat]

8. K&R

[babylonsister]

9. Rec'd, and I love this part!

:rofl: That's really denouncing previous impressions! And what the heck is a whelk stall anyway? Or do I want to know?


"In recent months we might have given the impression that Barack Obama is a dithering self-absorbed dilettante who couldn't run a whelk stall. We now recognise he is a political genius of a perseverance and farsightedness unmatched in human history. We apologise for any misunderstanding that might have arisen."

[tblue37]

12. A whelk is a mollusk. nt

[muriel_volestrangler]

37. "couldn't run a whelk stall" is a British phrase for incompetence

especially financial (ie it's a street stall selling whelks, which should be pretty easy). Somewhat similar to "couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery". It dates back over 100 years - uses in the OED:

1894 J. BURNS in South-Western Star 13 Jan. 3/4 From whom am I to take my marching orders? From men who fancy they are Admirable Crichtons,..but who have not got sufficient brains and ability to run a whelk stall? 1928 ‘N. SHUTE’ So Disdained iv. 159 If you try to run him as a manager as well, then your luck'll be out... He couldn't run a whelk stall to make it pay. 1965 O. MANNING Friends & Heroes xiv. 148, I said we were all disgusted at the way the School had gone down; and I said things would be no better under Callard. I said Callard couldn't run a whelk-stall. 1966 Hansard Commons 22 Nov. 1283 The great majority of hon. Gentlemen opposite have not the qualifications to run a whelk stall profitably. 1981 Financial Times 1 Apr. 15/2 None of them has had enough practical experience to run the proverbial whelk stall.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

10. I love this article -- givin me goosebumps

:D

Thanks!!

[Stellar]

24. I concur!

[BlancheSplanchnik]

33. .

:D

[Jennicut]

11. Obama never thought short term, he has an amazing amount of patience.

[kestrel91316]

13. I think he's our first Zen president.........

[NJmaverick]

14. K&R sing this from the mountain tops!

[CakeGrrl]

16. Who's this "We" of whom they speak?

Some of "us" hadn't been short-sighted enough to write him off a year into his first term.

:eyes:

[FrenchieCat]

17. Probably talking about all of the pundit heads,

who thought themselves smarter than this President,
simply because they were smarter than the last.

[lob1]

53. Great line, FrenchieCat.

[quickesst]

62. Wonderful post....

..and one not exclusive to the "pundit heads". This should piss the "want it all, want it now" crowd off, or at the least provide some enlightenment as to how the real world works. Thanks.
quickesst

[RFKHumphreyObama]

23. Just look around the blogosphere both left and right

And the talking heads and the braying columnists and so on and so on

Gives you a good idea of who "we" refers to

[BlooInBloo]

25. I know right?

:P

[Kweli4Real]

40. "A year into his first term"?

:rofl: There are many HERE that had PRESIDENT OBAMA's presidency died on its 101st day.

[Clio the Leo]

18. lol, some of YALL may owe him an apology....

.... and some of y'all might owe "the cheerleaders" an apology too.

But no one is asking for that.

What I am asking is that everyone make a mental note of this week .... as I will be referencing it in the future.


http://static.guim.co.uk/Guardian/lifeandstyle/gallery/2008/oct/06/1/[e-mail]

[JTFrog]

29. +1

:thumbsup:

[Joe Chi Minh]

35. How does anyone know that the ear-bashing he's had, wasn't what galvanised him into finally

showing his bipartisan spirit: giving his party of government a fair shake?

Maybe it's slight odds against, but that's more a hunch than based on the evidence, which was that he was scared of the Repugs and pandering to them in the most supine manner. It now does seem that he really could have been 'roping the dopes'. That photo of Ali, upthread, could be more than a little insightful.

Expect the Repugs to be at his feet pretty soon; they tried for his throat and failed miserably. This lot knows no middle gound.

[JuniperLea]

76. Lemmeno if you need a witness to that!

:hi:

:woohoo:

[Lifelong Protester]

19. I always appreciate the perspective from across the pond

I also appreciate my perspective, that of a person of a 'certain' age. Patience, the long view. That, and I assume the president is a LOT smarter than I. And certainly, several leagues above the chattering classes of pundits who try to 'describe his next move', etc.

[Historic NY]

20. K&R Mr. President.

[Writer]

21. Umm, is Obama about to do the warrior yoga pose in that picture?

His right foot is at a 45 degree angle in comparison with his left foot.

[political_Dem]

22. K and R. Also, duly noted.

Mr. Obama probably is a master chess player because he certainly knows how to deliver a checkmate to his naysayers. The passage of HCR was a big one.

I especially loved the fact that he said to the Teabagging seditionists (otherwise known as Republicans), "Go for it." That alone is the words of someone who is stronger than we will ever know about. He's a survivor, not only politically, but in life as well.

I am very happy to finally read something from the press that takes note of such an idea. Too bad that it doesn't come from American shores. :(

[RollWithIt]

26. One thing is for sure, that author sure knows how to pepper his prose with adjectives

Almost hard to read. lol.

[lillypaddle]

27. Yes. He. Can.

Love me some President Obama.

[deacon]

28. k + r n/t

[JTFrog]

30. K&R!

[old mark]

31. Some people here might, too. And he ain't finished yet......nt

[ibegurpard]

63. yup...got public education to privatize now

[old mark]

68. The same wonderful public education that gave us all the ignorant Freepers

'baggers and RW fundamentalists who believe in the 6000 year old earth. Yeah, that'd been doing a great job....

I don't agree with privitization, but maybe we could teach spelling a bit better, and a little independent thought along with 16 years of job prep.


mark

[Toasterlad]

32. I Don't Owe Obama Anything.

He owes ME an apology for all his broken promises. But I'd settle for NO apologies if he'd just come through on a few.

[Name removed]

34. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[KittyWampus]

39. Time, History are greater than any individual's personal desire.

[Toasterlad]

41. Yeah, It's All About Me

The other homos already have all the rights Mr. Fierce Advocate promised to fight for. That's why they're serving openly in the wars that he promised to end, and using the health care with the robust public option that he promised to deliver.

[treestar]

64. Yes it does look like only you matter

Sounds like the President was supposed to put you first, and "deliver" everything you wanted!

The POTUS is not Santa Claus. It is a political position - why don't you blame Congress as well?

[Toasterlad]

69. I Know, Right? Why Don't teh Gays Just Shut Up?

Obama has TONS more things to do that are more important! He can't be bothered to suspend DADT until it's repealled by Congress! And it's not his job to legislate; it's Congress' job! That's why he HAD to pressure Congress to withdraw a bill that would have cut off funding to DADT; because that's his JOB. He can't actually INTRODUCE legislation to repeal DOMA; he can only introduce legislation for Health Care Reform, as per the constitution! And it's not his fault that the DoJ defended DOMA more vigorously and more offensively than the Bush administration ever did: he doesn't get to tell the DoJ which laws to defend, except when he DOES tell the DoJ which laws to defend.

I mean, really, what do teh gays EXPECT from a man who promised to be a "fierce advocate" for gay rights? ALL the blame should go to Congress, who I'm sure all promised to be "fierce advocate" as well. The president is completely blameless!

Why do the gays always demand special treatment? Why do they always want to be first? We let them live: what more do they want?

[Odin2005]

58. +1

[Phx_Dem]

36. Not "all" of us. I have had any doubt about his political greatness.

I also never had any doubt about the GOP's propensity of hatred and its ability to overplay any issue.

The next "great" thing to happen will be after Bibi loses his coalition and is gone, major gains will be made toward a peace deal. And once again, everyone will act surprised.

[BEZERKO]

38. As long as O'bama is in control of his presidency and

not Rahm Emanuel or Timothy Geithner or Sebilius or whomever, I'm starting to think he's going to do well.

[rury]

52. I loooove President Barack Hussein Obama!!!!

And I always thought he would do very well.
Yes he can, yes he did and yes he will!!!!!

[Mithreal]

42. Obama could sell sand to the Saudis

How he convinced Progressives he was all that while rejecting their proposals on health care was genius.

Never underestimate the President or the gullibility of the American people.

I want less pragmatic and a lot more Progressive.

Great picture.

[windbreeze]

43. said all along....don't underestimate this man...

his kind hasn't been seen for a long time..the reason he frustrates the other party, is because he's smarter and quicker than all of them combined...he's way ahead of them on everything he does...they know they are going to play catch up the whole time he's in office, because they can't figure him out, which means they can't get ahead of him...he outsmarts them at every turn...I might add...imo, that makes him very dangerous to them...so while we cheer him on...let's hope his smarts also help keep him safe....

I love the fact that he waited and made the appointments as soon as they went on recess....IF it doesn't work one way...do it another....

So tell me...did Congress extend unemployment benefits before recessing? I'm reading that the pubs are blaming the dems for NOT having done so...wasn't it a Rep. named Bunning who held them up originally, and isn't it contrary to the fact that they don't want anyone helped at gov't expense? Can't please these people...they want it both ways, and they still aren't happy....wb

[socialist_n_TN]

46. I think it was Coburn from OK......................

that held it up this time. Same reasons though.

[azmouse]

44. Glad to see others coming around to what some of us always knew...

...this is a great President!

[bkozumplik]

45. perhaps

remains to be seen, if those deals make an impact. I think Obama owes US an apology for the wars, failure to lead on re-regulating the banks, and too many deals on health care, but not putting up with Israel and Aipac is ballsy, and the nuclear deal was great.

He's a really mixed bag so far.

[grantcart]

47. well you will have to go to Afghanistan to give it to him

[GoddessOfGuinness]

48. So how's that hopey, changey thing working out for you?

It's working just fine, thanks for asking! :-)

[Raffi Ella]

49. !

:7

[connecticut yankee]

50. I'll admit

I had my doubts.

I had such high expectations for the President, and could not understand why he seemed so hesitant and reluctant to act forcefully. It was as if he was overwhelmed and intimidated by the Repukes.

I guess he finally realized that being nice to them doesn't pay off.

Or maybe he he was just giving them enough rope.

[FrenchieCat]

56. I vote Rope-a-dope

Give a Dope enough Rope, and well....you know. ;)

[grace0418]

51. "Sarah Palin...is judged by 70 per cent of Americans to be unqualified for the White House..."

"The other 30 percent of Americans are irretrievably stupid." Okay, so that part was just implied. :)

[Deep13]

54. Tah dah!

[Lindsey]

55. I never had any doubt. I'm 52 and so far, he's the best President

in my lifetime. :-)

[givemebackmycountry]

60. He is going to make us all proud.

Best vote I have ever cast.



Palin?
Give me a FUCKING break.

[HuckleB]

61. K & R!!!!

[Violet_Crumble]

65. He's done really well, which is why it's annoying to see some DUers saying they'll vote Republican

I've been critical of Obama for a general inertia that I think crept into his style, but with the passing of the health care reform bill and showing at least a little bit of backbone when it comes to Israel and its illegal construction in occupied East Jerusalem, my admiration meter is creeping upwards steadily right now...

[Toasterlad]

70. Please Cite One Example Of a DUer Who Says They'll Vote Republican

[Robb]

72. That would be calling out.

However, for grins you can enter (including the quotes) "I'll vote republican" or "I'll vote for a republican" into the little search box in the corner. About half the results are tongue in cheek. The other half, not so much. Spoken in anger, probably.

On topic: I have no issue with continuing to criticize Obama on the GLBT issue. He deserves it, and must do better.

[Violet_Crumble]

75. Yeah, it would be. If anyone wants to see it, they can PM me...

Even though I alerted on it days ago, it's still sitting there for everyone to see which kind of surprised me a lot as I thought that sort of thing led to people being banned from DU...

I agree with you about people needing to continue to criticise Obama on the GLBT issue. I can't stand it when people behave as though criticising him is doing something terrible. There's a huge difference between legitimate criticism and someone announcing they'll vote for the Republicans if Obama doesn't change his ways...

[earth mom]

66. You have got to be fucking kidding me!

Who paid this guy to write this crap? :puke:

[SemiCharmedQuark]

67. Yeah well, we can't all be as intellectually gifted as Alex Jones

[Robb]

71. LOL

Keep trying. :D

[ShortnFiery]

73. +1

No consequenses for "stern talk" only image-making.

Didn't work for me and hope others are equally aware.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

74. Waah! Obama's accomplishing things! Waah!

:rofl: