re: #228 jimbo2150

Ok - now I get what you’re saying: The GOP didin’t compromise. Agreed. Obama was the only one who compromised. I don’t agree that makes him “weak,” or that it wasn’t ultimately the best move.

To the extent that Obama’s “base,” enabled him to win the election (as opposed to independents), it was because he got votes from minorities and young people. Those groups did not come out and vocally support healthcare reform. They didn’t present a solid front. They didn’t vote at high rates in the last election - which allowed the GOP to strengthen their hand. The finger needs to be pointed at those elements of the left. If they had presented a solid front, then Obama would have had more options.

If you want to blame the Obama administration, it’s because they were unsuccessful in getting those constituencies to remain vocal in their support for progressive policies; but you’re bucking historical trends there of low participation from those groups in politics. Their strong support for Obama in the election was a political anomaly, and it was a tall order for the Obama administration keep them active.

Did his administration blow it by not advocating more progressive policies sooner? Maybe. But again, he ran as a centrist. What did people expect?