If the Democrats in Congress can't get it done

[NJMaverick]

You know there is all this talk about President Obama "caving". What I didn't see was Congress sending the President a tax extension bill that didn't include the wealthiest or a bill that extended UI for all those in need. The President compromised to protect those who can't protect themselves, because it was his only choice. It really turns my stomach that a brave act to protect those in desperate need is spun as a cowardly act of a weak person. It took guts to do what the President did.

[spazito]

(12-08-2010 09:38 AM)NJMaverick Wrote:  You know there is all this talk about President Obama "caving". What I didn't see was Congress sending the President a tax extension bill that didn't include the wealthiest or a bill that extended UI for all those in need. The President compromised to protect those who can't protect themselves, because it was his only choice. It really turns my stomach that a brave act to protect those in desperate need is spun as a cowardly act of a weak person. It took guts to do what the President did.

I agree. Doing the right thing all too often, unfortunately, not the "popular" thing. It does take courage and determination to get the right thing done and President Obama has both, thank goodness.

[johnaries]

(12-08-2010 09:38 AM)NJMaverick Wrote:  You know there is all this talk about President Obama "caving". What I didn't see was Congress sending the President a tax extension bill that didn't include the wealthiest or a bill that extended UI for all those in need. The President compromised to protect those who can't protect themselves, because it was his only choice. It really turns my stomach that a brave act to protect those in desperate need is spun as a cowardly act of a weak person. It took guts to do what the President did.

Absolutely right. and the Pres went even further; the EIC, 2% payroll tax cut, S-CHIP, etc., etc. I'm surprised he got as much as he did! The NYT called it a "second stimulus package". That is NOT "bad negotiating" getting everything he did for one concession.

[OptimistesMaddie]

Bingo!! We have to keep in mind that he is looking long term also, not just the quick feel good action.

[There Is No Spoon]

He needs to get fellow Democrats on board to what he's doing or even the best deal, but one that gives up something they weren't ready to give up, will be perceived in a bad way. They need to work as a team - and Obama is just as much to blame for this as the whining Democrats are. Pointing fingers at each other is not productive. Since the President can't do anything without the Congress (a co-equal branch), it would behoove them to be on the same page on critical issues like this. Communication & leadership is the key.

He didn't cave, but he did negotiate without the full buy in of the team.

[Treestar]

I posted on DU something to the effect that why weren't the Democrats in Congress fighting for everything the left wants fought for, and one of them responded "LOL." as if Congress has no duty to do anything but sit and make the President make them do their job.

[NJMaverick]

(12-08-2010 02:37 PM)Treestar Wrote:  I posted on DU something to the effect that why weren't the Democrats in Congress fighting for everything the left wants fought for, and one of them responded "LOL." as if Congress has no duty to do anything but sit and make the President make them do their job.

One of the interesting things is that most of the President's vocal critics in Congress sat on their hands and did nothing but whine about the President. It wasn't like they were pushing through better bills.