For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
Pundits are speculating on what Obama's SOTU speech will reveal about how, if at all, he will change course. Call me cynical if you wish, but I believe it's silly to believe a man of his radical inclinations will change because of a few electoral setbacks.
The question is not whether Obama will move to the center. It is to what extent he might pretend to (or even throw a few bones our way, e.g. reducing corp income tax rate) in order to continue to advance his statist agenda. To the extent he promises movement to the center, it will be designed to increase his political capital to empower him to do just the opposite. The same will be true for any overtures he makes concerning bipartisanship and civility. We know now he's the opposite of bipartisan and that he's often uncivil when dealing with his political opponents.
The interesting question to me is not how much he is willing to change, substantively, but how will he attempt to advance his agenda -- a lifelong commitment that he's not about to abandon -- now that the political winds are in his face instead of at his back. The dynamics have changed dramatically. How will this Alinskyite adapt?
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Sep '10
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
He will adapt by saying one thing, doing another, then, when tentatively (if at all) questioned about the flip, will sidestep the question and/or belittle the questioner and move on.
Jun '10
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that Bill Clinton will give the State of the Union this evening because Michelle Obama has a party...somewhere.
Edited on Jan 25, 2011 at 8:13amJun '10
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
Given his propensity to throw friends, associates, and allies under the bus, I've got to wonder who or what is next. Maybe his naked ambition will force him to throw his principles (such as they are) under the bus as well. After all, what's sacrificing a principle or two when the order and stability of the Obama-centered universe is at stake? Principles are for little people.
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
I just saw a Jake Tapper report saying Obama will call for a budget freeze and earmark ban tonight. Earmark ban? Fool me once. Budget freeze? Deja vu? Bring out the popcorn.
Jul '10
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
The man has spent his whole life pretending to be someone else, that self being contingent on conditions and circumstances. Present sums it up. If it works for him for the time being to be Present on debt reduction and pay freezes, that is what you will see. Meanwhile, his eye is always fixed on transformation into a polity more suited to his not-so-hidden radical roots. He understands how easy it is to fool the independent (low knowledge) voter.
Jun '10
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
Well said!
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
He will propose cuts in the defense budget without specifying which missions we intend to eliminate.
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
And, he's on tape. He promised budget freeze and earmark moratorium last year. Are we just supposed to leave our memories at the door along with our non-suspension of disbelief?
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
Right! You see, I think that's what he's going to do, or try to do, for the next six months. It's going to be window dressing and mini-initiatives -- I think his strategy is going to be to make a lot of the right noises, hold firm on the big stuff, and hope that his numbers keep drifting up. You know: do just enough. And I think that strategy might actually work.
Which is why our side needs to push the big stuff. It's the only way to beat him in '12, I'm convinced.
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
Rob Long I think that's what he's going to do, or try to do, for the next six months. It's going to be window dressing and mini-initiatives -- I think his strategy is going to be to make a lot of the right noises, hold firm on the big stuff, and hope that his numbers keep drifting up. You know: do just enough. And I think that strategy might actually work.
Which is why our side needs to push the big stuff. It's the only way to beat him in '12, I'm convinced. · Jan 25 at 9:59am
Every word of that makes sense, Rob, but when you say "our side needs to push the big stuff," what do you mean? Cut more from the budget, not less? Thwart the funding and implementation of ObamaCare in every way possible instead of settling in, starting to feel comfortable, and letting ObamaCare slide? Big gestures, not small?
I don't mean this as a leading question. Your analysis strikes me as so correct (and beautifully succinct) that I want to make sure I understand it correctly.
Pls. advise, O Oracle of Venice Beach
Sep '10
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
Stealing a page from Inception and the last season of Dallas, King Louis will inform us that the last two years have been a bad dream and from here forward, this is the new reality.
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
A budget freeze would, of course, keep in place current unsustainable levels of federal spending, ensuring that the nation goes bankrupt some years down the line. I suppose Obama's new definition of civility ought to prevent me from pointing this out.
Oct '10
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
Don't worry Rob. After their kumbya time tonight with the "opposition Democrats", you can be sure that the Republicans will come together and really work hard to oppose Obama.
Oh yes, you can count on it. Oh yes, you can count on it. Oh yes, you can count on it. Oh yes, you can count on it.
Cynicism is the operative word for these times we live in.
Jul '10
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
It's a new dynamic. The chamber is hushed, the members are seated dog person, cat person, dog, cat. The first notes of "Hail to the Chief" rebound through the room. The room is excited, expectant, in some cases nearly sober.
There he is, he is moving down the aisle, shaking hands. Pink! He is wearing a pink tu tu and slippers, gliding en pointe as young boys toss rose petals in his path. A daring fashion statement from this ground-breaking President.
He is stepping up to the podium, hovering, hovering, his legs working like hummingbird wings as he begins to speak.
Well, we were promised a balanced address. Not quite the expectation, but he is the greatest President ever. Thank goodness LBJ never thought to do this.
Edited on Jan 25, 2011 at 5:11pmMay '10
Re: For Obama, the Dynamics Have Changed. How Will He Adapt? That's the Question
David Limbaugh:
To the extent he promises movement to the center, it will be designed to increase his political capital to empower him to do just the opposite.
I don't believe a word the guy says. Actions speak louder than words.