* How Obama can take charge and become "the Decider": Eugene Robinson

[kpete]

Obama's opportunity to be the decider
By Eugene Robinson
Friday, November 19, 2010

............

The Center for American Progress report notes that on the economic issues that so absorb the country, Obama has the power to help jump-start the real estate market by issuing orders that could speed the untangling of the foreclosure mess - and also begin to move the vast inventory of foreclosed properties that weighs so heavily on home prices.

He can shape the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the implementation of health-care reform in ways that will produce the quickest and greatest benefits for working families, the report notes. This wouldn't just be good policy, it would be good politics as well. Demonizing "Obamacare" and financial reform as abstract concepts worked well for the Republicans in the midterm campaign, but it won't be a viable strategy if people see - and like - the concrete results.

Progressives are right when they complain that the White House must do a much better job of making the case for its policies. But the challenge goes well beyond communications. Judging by the way they snubbed Obama's invitation to break bread together, Republicans seem eager for gridlock - and the chance to blame the president for not getting anything done.

That may be the GOP's preferred story line, but Obama can write a narrative of his own. He's the Decider now.

more:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/18/AR2010111804879.html

[WI_DEM]

1. He definitely needs to find ways to override congress and get things done.

[asjr]

2. I would like to see Obama toss bi-partisanship

into the swamp. I realize he wants to try to work with the Repubs but it isn't going to happen.

[nykym]

3. Honestly he should

have never offered to work with Republicans. It should have been - this is what we are going to do if you want to work WITH US then roll up your sleeves and stop whining.

[rasputin1952]

4. The case for bi-partisanship is over...

we know it, PO knows it, and the nation is finally getting around to noticing that the GOP are a bunch of deranged jerks that collectively, seem to have the IQ of a small sea sponge.

A lot can be done before the new buffoons take the oath of office, and PO needs to step up and deal with situations that have been on the backburner for quite some time.

One thing I think that he should do is just let the tax cuts expire and force the R's in the House to come up with a offer, once people see that it is essentially for the ultra-wealthy, the GOP will on the hook. Make them the center of bad attention, make them actually act on behalf of the nation...they can't they have absolutely nothing to offer that would be palatable to the public.

[ProSense]

5. Completely agree

The tax cuts should be allowed to expire. They should hold the vote on the middle-class tax cuts and if it fails, so be it.

A couple of points about the CAP report: 1) It shows what the President can do over the next two years in the face of Republican obstructionism 2) It shows that the legislative achievements of the first two years laid the groundwork for further action.

It was important to achieve the legislative victories when the window of opportunity existed. Now, it's time to put the wheels in motion.

[rasputin1952]

6. Thankd for the link!

:hi:

We'll get through this, but PO needs to look McConnell and Boehner right in the eyes...(horrid thought, ut it must be done), and tell them where he stands and why he won't budge. He needs to let the citizens know what's going on, and be face up honest about the situation and people will come to his side.

[old mark]

7. "Progressives are right...." haven't heard much of that for several years -

Thanks Mr. Robinson!
I always liked that guy...

mark

[polichick]

8. As usual, I agree with Eugene - hope the prez uses all the tools in the...

...presidential toolbox - there's lots to do.

[Phx_Dem]

9. ...

Fuck off Eugene. You pandering pussy.