Barack Obama thinks the progressives who aren’t thrilled about voting for his party need to get up off the sidelines and do something. He thinks it’s inexcusable for Democrats to not be supportive at this critical juncture.
And what else is he going to say? The Republicans aren’t dead anymore. They do pose a threat, probably a serious one, to whatever Obama and the donkeys want to do. Without full control, it’s unlikely Obama will be able to get the legislation through that he wants.
But I have thoughts about Obama’s call to action. The President cites what he calls a number of successes, like passing health care and financial reform, as good reason for voters to support him. I of course have little faith that either of those bills will do anything but please the health care and financial industries, but then again Obama has little chance to win me over as a voter.
But what surprises me is that others might agree with me. Not the Republicans, of course. It’s merely reflex for them to instantly dislike anything the other party does. It’s like synchronized swimming.
But progressives really don’t support Obama anymore? I’m startled, and somewhat pleased. I’ve re-watched a great deal of what Obama was selling during his campaign, and here are my thoughts.
First off, he’s really good at campaigning. He’s not exactly Thomas Jefferson as a true legislator, but he’s one of the best car salesmen you’ll find. It wasn’t hard to be drawn to him when he stepped in front of a microphone. Looking back, it’s actually odd to think that Hillary Clinton was the favorite for so long.
Second, he sold a lot of stuff that I could’ve bought. He talked a lot about ending the illegal and immoral excesses of the Bush administration in regards to national security and the War on Terror. He campaigned on the idea that under his administration, America wouldn’t sacrifice her ideals to defend herself.
Maybe the President didn’t lie. Perhaps he thought sacrificing the ideals wasn’t enough. Maybe he thinks America needs to not only sacrifice her ideals, but actually just ignore their existence entirely.
I think the voters feel betrayed. They were sold this idea of a transparent government that wouldn’t hide things. That’s not what we’re getting. Last Saturday, the Washington Post reported that Obama’s people have asked a federal judge to dismiss the case against the federal government pertaining to Obama’s ordered execution of American citizen Anwar al-Aulaqi, because the case might reveal state secrets.
You know what? It very well could. However, a President that taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School should understand that, you know, maybe it’s not okay for the White House to order the assassination of an American citizen.
Which is precisely what this is. Why shouldn’t the people who supported him be dismayed by that? And why aren’t the Republicans pointing this out as loudly and clearly as they can?
Questions are good. The people who loved Obama should be angry. They should be asking questions.