Subscribe to Breaking NewsWithers: Is Obama smart or selfish?
President-elect Barack Obama did the minimal in yesterday’s Georgia run-off for Senate. He recorded a radio ad and kept his team in the state. But he did no visits (although other Democratic big hitters from Bill Clinton to Al Gore went to Georgia in support of challenger Jim Martin).
Staying above the fray was a good move for Obama. Sure for the inside baseball types it was a sign of cowardice, and kept the Democrats away from a filibuster proof majority in the Senate, but ultimately Obama needs to hold on to all the good will he’s got. That is what the occupant of the White House lives on (that and a little bit of luck). Don’t believe? Go ask the guy who is residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue right now.
High approval ratings come about when a president is seen as not some partisan hack. Sure we expect our commander-in-chief to push for policy, but he/she also has to show a vision that is beyond political party.
Obama knows this. Why do you think he talked about Ronald Reagan so much in the election? There are MANY things I can say that irked about Reagan, but he knew how to make the public love him.
None of this bodes well for most of us at this site because it means when it comes to gay stuff Obama is going to be cautious. But you knew this.
PS: RIP Odetta.
I agree with Peter. There is a lot of anger out there. At Obama. At America. At us (the gays).
That’s why I am almost constantly praying for Obama’s safety. To be frank, I am scared that something will happen.
Lets all prey that nothing happens to Obama (or anyone else)
Luv
Cleara
I believe President Elect Obama didn’t come to GA because he is busy with the transition, and that took precedence over the runoff. Besides that, Obama was soundly defeated in Georgia, his presence her probably would have rallied more Republicans to come out and vote yesterday. Jim Martin had no plan, he didn’t tell people why they should vote for him, he just continuously tied himself to Barack Obama, and made it seem like he would rubber stamp all of Obama’s policies, which was a very stup impression to give people.
And what amazes me is that Chambliss is given a pass for his avoiding service in Vietnam. Cleland gave and arm and his legs in service to this country. Jim Martin also served this country with honor. Chambliss has just stayed safe and stuffed his fat ass for years.
Chambliss is a liar and a divider. I can not think of one positive thing to say about the retched man. He is the poster boy for EVERYTHING that is wrong with the Republican party. And yet, Saint Obama could not be bothered to do anything more than a radio add robo calls. Granted, all politicians are self serving, but Obama seems to be taking it to a new level.
I heard an NRA add supporting Chambliss this past weekend. I almost spit up on myself when I heard that! Martin has actually held a gun. I’m betting that Chambliss would not even know how to load a gun.
Sad, Sad, Sad.
…. OK, rant done.
Trace,
Saxby Chambliss is a truly disgusting creature. And my opinion of him has nothing to do with his stance on gay issues either. That’s beside the point. The way he destroyed Max Cleland in 2002 by questioning his patriotism was despicable. Max Cleland lost both of his legs in Vietnam for this country. For a five time draft dodger like Chambliss to attack his service is unforgivable.
This is another example that Obama is no friend to gay men and women. There is no Senator that is more anti-gay than Saxby Chambliss. He truly is a disgusting man.
What a lame analysis.
Obama’s primary job is to be the best president he can be during one of the most challenging times in our country’s history. If you have been watching the news lately, you might have seen that he’s BEEN A BIT BUSY making appointments and lining things up so he can be effective on Day 1.
Another issue that you failed to discuss is that the Democratic candidate was not that impressive. (I read an article that said that he had previously run a “lackluster” campaign for a lower office.) So, it seems as if Georgians faced what Connecticut faced a few years ago when they wanted to dump Leiberman, but the Democratic nominee, Lamont, was inexperienced and unimpressive.
So, you read the tea leaves and say that Obama may be selfish/smart and may avoid controversy with gay issues. I read the tea leaves and say that Obama has his priorities in order (preparing his new administration, ASAP, to contribute to confidence in him, which, hopefully will contribute to confidence in an economic recovery), and that, when the time comes to pass gay legislation, he’ll work it in a bi-partisan way, he’ll apply good judgment to priorities, and he’ll “do it right” (meaning: we’ll win the vote).
We’ll see who ends up being right. Let’s talk again in four years.
Long term I think this will be a good thing for Pres-elect Obama and the Democrats. Just as the GOP used the minority Democrats as the bad guy, If things don’t get done Dems can point right at senate Republicans and say “They’re the ones holding things up!” I saw the Republicans do the same thing in South Dakota’s 04 senate race. What’s good for the goose…
You know, if they wanna get all partisan like that.
I think he did the right thing by NOT
going to Georgia. There have been many
threats against him already and he is not
even the president yet. This country is
not safe with all the neo-nazis, racists
and religious fanatics in great numbers!
I, personally, don’t want the Democrats to have a filibuster proof majority. While I tend to be more liberal than centerist, I do have some differences with the extreme left wing of my party. As long as there is the possibility that unwise legislation can be blocked by Republicans the Dems will be more reasonable in their proposals and not tie up Congress with foolish bills at a time when Congress needs to move quickly and smartly.