As expected Obama spoke eloquently last night but without changing one vote in Congress. There were no really surprises. I mean everyone says that they want to improve education, increase production of clean energy, cut the deficit, defend the country and even reform healthcare. But it is impossible to get even everyone in his party to agree on any of these issues. So it is like talking to the wall. Most of the voters don't really understand these issues. Ultimately they are going to vote base on how the economy is doing.
Basically Obama will have to pretend he has the answers and keep telling the people that. Just like FDR and Reagan. I think he is trying too hard to get a consensus so liberal and conservatives in his party are able to push him around. Healthcare may be dead no matter what he does. And I have said he should forget it with this bill. But if he insists on moving forward, he should just tell his party what he wants in the final bill now and let the Republicans filibuster it. And I mean REAL filibuster. Make them stand up there and talk without food, drinks or bathroom break as in the past. No more telling the umpire we are walking this guy and no pitch is thrown. Make them actually throw the pitches. It may be a waste of time but so what? Then go out and tell everyone he is in charge and the economy will be better soon. As I said if the economy turns around and he appears to be in charge, he will be a hero. If things get worse, he will get the blame. But he would have gotten the blame anyway if he tries to get a consensus, so he may as well act like he has better ideas and is the one totally in charge.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
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Am I the only one who things the State of the Union address is a dinosaur and should be eliminated? I can't stand all the posturing in the seats by both parties. Do they really need to stand and applaud every little statement? We all know that some statements will get applause from one party and not the other. I find it funny to see this in action. Some of the shots of the Republicans with stern looks on their faces was classic. The irony of Obama favoring off shore drilling and having the Republicans stand and applaud while members of his own party sit and do nothing was the topper of the day. Why not look like you're supporting your man anyway?
ReplyDeleteI'm am surprised that Obama wasn't called out on what could be perceived as be arrogant and lecturing or elitist towards the Republicans. There were times when it looked like he was looking right at those guys on his left regarding things not working and the condition of the country when he took office.
Overall I thought it was one of the better speeches. There is no doubt that Obama is very good at giving speeches. He kept everything pretty general while trying to look like he cares and has answers.
I would love to see a real filibuster. Always reminds me of Mr. Smith goes to Washington! I would think there would be more backlash towards those who are doing the actual filibustering since it can portray them as holding things up, though if I am a member of the GOP I would totally martyr their cause for the good of the people!
-LBOAYM
I agree with what you say about the posturing. The funniest part to me was when Obama said that he had cut taxes to majority of the people. (Even though it is only a temporary cut.) Everybody on the Democrat side stood up while the Republicans remained silent. So we have the tax spenders applauding the tax cut while the tax cutters sat stone faced. Obama then joked that he thought he would get applause from the GOP on tax cut at least. A few Republicans had to force a smile and clapped half heartily.
ReplyDeleteI also liked Obama squaring off with Alito about corporate campaign contributions. This shows again the justices are split along ideology and not legal reasoning. I don't see how a corporation or an union are same as an individual. A corporation can't vote and can't be drafted to the military for example. Even if you say that corporations and unions have freedom of speech, how do you reconcile that they can use money from those in their institutions who do not agree with the views of their lrsaders? By using lobbyists, unions and corporations already have more speech rights than us. Most of the time I think the corporate and union money cancel each other out. But there are also many instances where they contribute to both GOP and the Democrats. This is one of the reason our government does not work well. All politicians know who butter their bread.