Has Obama Remade Himself?
After the shellacking Obama received in November, where his radical and ideological legislative agenda was in large part rejected, has he--a mere month later--remade himself as a pragmatic dealmaker? Has he pulled a Bill Clinton and already moved to the center?
Politico's top story today focuses on the "urgent need" for Obama "to reinvent his presidency"--the need for Obama to become "CEO of America."
But in a column from Friday, Charles Krauthammer argues that Obama has already done this, citing the "Great Tax-Cut Deal of 2010":
Now, with his stunning tax deal, Obama is back. Holding no high cards, he nonetheless managed to resurface suddenly not just as a player but as the orchestrator, dealmaker, and central actor in a high $1 trillion drama.
...
Can Obama move to the center to win back the independents who had abandoned the party in November? And if so, how long would it take? Answer: Five weeks. An indoor record, although an asterisk should denote that he had help: Republicans clearing his path and sprinkling it with rose petals.
Krauthammer also wrote:
If Barack Obama wins reelection in 2012, as is now more likely than not, historians will mark his comeback as beginning on December 6, the day of the Great Tax-Cut Deal of 2010.
Not so fast, says Mitch McConnell.
Speaking on CNN's State of the Union yesterday, the Senator said, “Let me give you another point of view. I think Charles Krauthammer’s very smart, but on this, he’s totally wrong."
Obama has not paved his way to being the "comeback kid" of 2012, McConnell argues, because the tax bill he signed "was essentially Republican policy" which the "American people wanted." Therefore, McConnell implied, the "comeback kid" of 2012 is more likely to be a Republican than a Democrat.
But what if the Democrat begins to give the American people what they want--what if the Democrat starts inching his way toward fiscally conservative policy for the sake of politics? Consider this minor gesture, for instance: Vice President Joe Biden declared on Meet the Press yesterday that Obama will veto bad earmarks. Just a symbolic statement? Maybe. Smart politics? Yes.
Extending the Bush tax cuts, vetoing egregious earmarks--could this be music to tea party ears? Well, that probably goes too far--but it could be music to the ears of the ever-important independent voters. A lot can happen in two years, but so far, I think Krauthammer's analysis of Obama's post-midterm political dance is pretty astute.
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Sep '10
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
In some ways, Obama is in a better position now than he was before the 2010 election. He can posture much better without having to deliver. He is going to take advantage of that for the next 2 years. But this wont help him with his base, and I dont think independents are going to buy that he has changed his tune. We had Barack Obama for two years without any restraints. We saw what he wants, and saw what he was willing to do and say. His credibility is shot.
The only thing that will get Obama re elected is incompetence by the GOP, about which I am worried.
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
But do you really think he'll lose his base?
I would almost agree with you here, but I have a feeling that the average voter has a pretty short political memory--what do you think?
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
Franco:
The only thing that will get Obama re elected is incompetence by the GOP, about which I am worried. · Dec 20 at 7:34am
I think that the GOP needs to come up with a dazzling candidate for 2012. So far, I don't think we've encountered that person.
Jun '10
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
There is a fervent wish that Obama behave like Bill Clinton on fiscal policy and any moves in this direction will be applauded. But Obama is not Bill Clinton. Clinton to a large extent believes in the free market system. Obama does not. Obama will maneuver like Clinton in the next two years in his attempt to win a second term but substantively Obama is a socialist who wants to fundamentally transform America.
As a community organizer in Chicago he was trained, like other community organizers, to submerge his overt socialist rhetoric - even though it has blurted out from time to time. By doing so, he was able to get a lot of programs pushed through and propel his own career.
The real test will be how he responds to the looming state-by-state fiscal crisis and what he does to attempt to bail states out and whether this means a greater consolidation of federal power or the creation of conditions to really stimulate the private sector to turn the economy around. To date he has favored the former not the latter.
Jun '10
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed.
I would almost agree with you here, but I have a feeling that the average voter has a pretty short political memory--what do you think? · Dec 20 at 7:40am
Whether, many of his 2008 Democrat and Independent supporters who voted for Republican candidates in the midterm have left Obama for good remains to be seen. But as in love, war or politics anything can and will happen. And events beyond America’s borders (North Korea, Iran, the growing threat to Israel) could actually strengthen Obama’s 2012 hand much as the attacks on 9/11 and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq temporarily strengthened George W. Bush’s hand, enough so as to give him another term in the White House.
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
Brian Watt:
The real test will be how he responds to the looming state-by-state fiscal crisis and what he does to attempt to bail states out and whether this means a greater consolidation of federal power or the creation of conditions to really stimulate the private sector to turn the economy around. To date he has favored the former not the latter. · Dec 20 at 7:51am
The Politico piece would have you believe that he'll keep his nose out of the state-by-state fiscal crisis--that Obama will fly above these types of issues, and that his hands are tied by the country's debt and deficit. Do you think Politico is right? But you're right, it will be interesting to see how he plays his hand on this one moving forward.
Sep '10
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed.
But do you really think he'll lose his base?
I would almost agree with you here, but I have a feeling that the average voter has a pretty short political memory--what do you think? · Dec 20 at 7:40am
There was so much enthusiasm for Obama, and most of it is gone now. So that has to affect voter turnout.
I agree that voters have short memories, but I think Obama has painted himself into a corner. If things get better, he really won't be able to take credit, especially if he moderates his former positions. If things get worse or stay the same, I don't think blaming the Republican House will resonate.
Jun '10
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed.
Brian Watt:
The real test will be how he responds to the looming state-by-state fiscal crisis and what he does to attempt to bail states out and whether this means a greater consolidation of federal power or the creation of conditions to really stimulate the private sector to turn the economy around. To date he has favored the former not the latter. · Dec 20 at 7:51am
The Politico piece would have you believe that he'll keep his nose out of the state-by-state fiscal crisis--that Obama will fly above these types of issues, and that his hands are tied by the country's debt and deficit. Do you think Politico is right? But you're right, it will be interesting to see how he plays his hand on this one moving forward. · Dec 20 at 7:58am
Many of the states have nowhere else to turn but the federal government for help since they can't print money themselves. In some fashion, the feds will have to turn off the spigot or figure out creative ways to help the states. It's going to get interesting.
Sep '10
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
Brian Watt
But as in love, war or politics anything can and will happen. And events beyond America’s borders (North Korea, Iran, the growing threat to Israel) could actually strengthen Obama’s 2012 hand much as the attacks on 9/11 and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq temporarily strengthened George W. Bush’s hand, enough so as to give him another term in the White House. · Dec 20 at 7:55am
I have thought about this, and believe any major international crisis will be, in effect, blamed on Obama and he will probably not handle it well anyway. This of course also depends on who the GOP nominee is.
I also agree we don't have many who are big names that give me much hope. I don't like Palin, or Huckabee. I don't have as many problems with Romney as others and would be ok with him, he articulates conservatism better than most (even if he isn't 100% reliable I don't know) and most importantly I believe he can win. Americans want someone who is competent. That will be #1 for the GOP, which is why Palin is a nonstarter.
Jul '10
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
The media is pounding this "comeback" drum so hard it's not even funny, and it's a preview of what we'll see coverage-wise in 2012. It sounds good if you can forget that Obama's big tax "win" basically amounts to endorsing a tax rate that he had railed against for years, and which he himself described as a policy he hated, promoted by "hostage takers". The key to Clinton-style triangulaton is that you have to make people think it's your idea. Having your arm twisted into victory isn't going to cut it.
DADT is a win for the President, and will help him shore up his base. But in the long run, I don't think that's an issue that matters very much to most voters (unless it adversely affects military operations, which would be a disaster for Obama).
Jun '10
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
I think Krauthammer has this backwards. Having a deal rammed down your throat, and then giving a presser where you say how much you hate the deal and, for good measure, hate everyone who was for the deal or against the deal, does not make you a "dealmaker". It makes you big whiny loser, and that's not going to appeal to any part of the electorate.
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed.
Franco:
The only thing that will get Obama re elected is incompetence by the GOP, about which I am worried. · Dec 20 at 7:34am
I think that the GOP needs to come up with a dazzling candidate for 2012. So far, I don't think we've encountered that person. · Dec 20 at 7:42am
I agree with you both. Obamacare deserves attention in this discussion. There is no way that Obama can back away from it; the majority dislikes it; and, as it kicks in, more will be upset. So I think that, if Obama is to be rescued, the Republicans will need a helping hand from the Supreme Court.
Sep '10
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
Wylee Coyote: The media is pounding this "comeback" drum so hard it's not even funny, and it's a preview of what we'll see coverage-wise in 2012. It sounds good if you can forget that Obama's big tax "win" basically amounts to endorsing a tax rate that he had railed against for years, and which he himself described as a policy he hated, promoted by "hostage takers". The key to Clinton-style triangulaton is that you have to make people think it's your idea. Having your arm twisted into victory isn't going to cut it.
DADT is a win for the President, and will help him shore up his base. But in the long run, I don't think that's an issue that matters very much to most voters (unless it adversely affects military operations, which would be a disaster for Obama). · Dec 20 at 8:33am
Yep! The media is crafting this narrative, it seems pretty obvious to me. After all, how do they know he is coming back? They are just trying to get attention,trying to support their guy and trying to tell their customers what they want to hear.
Sep '10
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
The Democrats worst mistake for the election of 2010 began in April 2009 with the demagoguing of the Tea Party. They thought they would use the TP to rile up their base, but it had the opposite effect; the center and right were riled up by the tactics.
For 2012 BO has a needle to thread; he needs to appear centrist and yet get his 2008 coalition riled up to support 2012 GOTV efforts. That needle is what I’ll be watching over the next two years; for example, will the Republicans’ messaging be stuck on stupid?
Edited on Dec 20, 2010 at 9:04amJun '10
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
Obama's tirade was calculated to appeal to his base. And given that his base has settled down a bit after the mid-term election, it may have worked. They're not about to switch horses in mid-stream. Obama is still their guy...even if conservative pundits look at him as a big, whiny loser.
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
Franco
Wylee Coyote: The media is pounding this "comeback" drum so hard it's not even funny, and it's a preview of what we'll see coverage-wise in 2012. It sounds good if you can forget that Obama's big tax "win" basically amounts to endorsing a tax rate that he had railed against for years, and which he himself described as a policy he hated, promoted by "hostage takers". The key to Clinton-style triangulaton is that you have to make people think it's your idea. Having your arm twisted into victory isn't going to cut it.
· Dec 20 at 8:33am
Yep! The media is crafting this narrative, it seems pretty obvious to me. After all, how do they know he is coming back? They are just trying to get attention,trying to support their guy and trying to tell their customers what they want to hear. · Dec 20 at 8:57am
The left MSM may be crafting this narrative--but you can hardly count Krauthammer as part of the MSM!
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
Paul A. Rahe
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed.
Franco:
The only thing that will get Obama re elected is incompetence by the GOP, about which I am worried. · Dec 20 at 7:34am
I think that the GOP needs to come up with a dazzling candidate for 2012. So far, I don't think we've encountered that person. · Dec 20 at 7:42am
I agree with you both. Obamacare deserves attention in this discussion. There is no way that Obama can back away from it; the majority dislikes it; and, as it kicks in, more will be upset. So I think that, if Obama is to be rescued, the Republicans will need a helping hand from the Supreme Court. · Dec 20 at 8:56am
Great point. Obamacare will be huge in 2012, and I can't wait to see how Obama and the dems handle it.
Sep '10
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed.
Franco
Wylee Coyote: The media is pounding this "comeback" drum so hard it's not even funny, and it's a preview of what we'll see coverage-wise in 2012. It sounds good if you can forget that Obama's big tax "win" basically amounts to endorsing a tax rate that he had railed against for years, and which he himself described as a policy he hated, promoted by "hostage takers".
· Dec 20 at 8:33am
Yep! The media is crafting this narrative, it seems pretty obvious to me. After all, how do they know he is coming back? They are just trying to get attention,trying to support their guy and trying to tell their customers what they want to hear. · Dec 20 at 8:57am
The left MSM may be crafting this narrative--but you can hardly count Krauthammer as part of the MSM! · Dec 20 at 9:12am
No I don't. But they sure like to cite him though when he (or any conservative or Republican), agrees with them in any way!
Jun '10
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed.
Franco
Wylee Coyote: The media is pounding this "comeback" drum so hard it's not even funny, and it's a preview of what we'll see coverage-wise in 2012. ....The key to Clinton-style triangulaton is that you have to make people think it's your idea. Having your arm twisted into victory isn't going to cut it.
· Dec 20 at 8:33am
Yep! The media is crafting this narrative, it seems pretty obvious to me. After all, how do they know he is coming back? They are just trying to get attention,trying to support their guy and trying to tell their customers what they want to hear. · Dec 20 at 8:57am
The left MSM may be crafting this narrative--but you can hardly count Krauthammer as part of the MSM! · Dec 20 at 9:12am
Liberal pundits are hoping for a comeback. Conservative pundits just want Obama to behave more like Clinton...uh...economically-speaking, of course. Both seem to be part of the larger MSM narrative. The only way for a comeback is to behave more like Clinton which makes conservatives happy and Chris Matthews all tingly.
Oct '10
Re: Has Obama Remade Himself?
Emily Esfahani Smith, Ed. : Not so fast, says Mitch McConnell.
Speaking on CNN's State of the Union yesterday, the Senator said, “Let me give you another point of view. I think Charles Krauthammer’s very smart, but on this, he’s totally wrong."
Obama has not paved his way to being the "comeback kid" of 2012, McConnell argues, because the tax bill he signed "was essentially Republican policy" which the "American people wanted." . ·
Hold on a minute. Does anyone here believe this narrative? Is this an example of Republican policy which the American people wanted?