Resolving the ‘Obama Paradox’ (The Most Successful Failed Presidency in a Generation)
The intense dispute over President Obama’s personality, principles and policies is a proxy for the larger debate over the history, values, ideological composition and direction of America. The focus is on the person, but the battle is over the nation.
In that context, a number of progressive activists and observers (this writer included) have spent the past 18 months repeatedly making the case that the Obama administration’s unwillingness to stake out a strong, principled, progressive position on key issues is detrimental to Obama’s political fortunes, to the Democratic Party’s electoral prospects and most importantly, to the country. Looking at polls, trends, midterm projections, the economy, the environment, the war in Afghanistan, etc., the facts on the ground appear to have borne out that view.
On the right - unsurprisingly - the opposite is true: Obama’s Republican and conservative opponents have resorted to their usual tactic of attacking anyone who isn’t a rightwing reactionary as a raging, big-spending liberal, “liberal” being seen as the ultimate ignominy. Republicans benefit immensely from a decades-old, well-oiled communications mechanism that frames the public discourse. Their message cuts through, but judging by the measures in the previous paragraph, the reality of eight years under Bush invalidates the claim that rightwing policies benefit the U.S. The right hardly has standing when it comes to a legitimate critique of President Obama.
Between these two poles is an ocean of commentary and opinion. In recent days, what has emerged from this cacophony is a seemingly contradictory amalgam of positions, dubbed the “Obama Paradox,” that portrays the president as a successful failure. A number of prominent pundits and left-leaning writers have tackled the perceived paradox, each aiming to put forth a definitive take on what ails this White House.
Ok this write up by Peter Daou is really, really good for any independents or objectively minded folks. Highly, highly recommended. What you waiting for people, smoke a bowl, get a good cup of coffee, make a sandwich and click the link!