Obama - The Thin Skinned President - Good Article

Obama - The Thin Skinned President - Good Article

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Jimbeaux

Original Poster:

33,791 posts

233 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all

Jasandjules

70,012 posts

231 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
I assume that most politicians in fact have pretty thick skin, as he must have, to get to where he is today.....

s2art

18,939 posts

255 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Jimbeaux said:
Good article. Wait for November, then see how Barry copes. (badly IMHO)

Spiritual_Beggar

4,833 posts

196 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Wow...


You know, I read that article, and pretty much after every paragraph I was whispering to myself; "Sounds just like Brown"

These two especially;

"The president's instincts are by now obvious to all: deflect blame, point fingers, and lash out at others, most especially his predecessor. We know from press reports (see here and here) that the strategy for the Democrats in 2010, two years after Obama was elected president, is to – you guessed it – blame George W. Bush."

&

"We can hope that Obama, an intelligent man, learns from the errors of his ways. But the great danger in all of this is that in the face of his troubles Obama and his aides become increasingly defensive, display a greater sense of entitlement and even a touch of paranoia. When arrogant men lose control of events it can easily lead to feelings of isolation, to striking out at critics, to bullying opponents, and to straying across lines that should not be crossed."

HundredthIdiot

4,414 posts

286 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Sums what up?

I just see a load of partisan whining from Bush's speechwriter.

Jimbeaux

Original Poster:

33,791 posts

233 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Jasandjules said:
I assume that most politicians in fact have pretty thick skin, as he must have, to get to where he is today.....
Not so sure. He "got" where he is today is an abbreviated manner. Straight from local organizer, to Senate (still locally elected and no real pressure), to the White House. IMO, he is too thin skinned and it shows here daily.

Wanta996Gotta

5,622 posts

209 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Have any of you watched Fox news(Glen Beck is like a WWE character but actually real) or followed American politics over the years? Have you paid attention to the tea party movement or the ridiculous Pallin being one of the favourites to be the Repbulican leader? The healthcare plan alone in his first year is bigger than anything that Bush done in his two terms.

He walked into this economic crises just as the Tories have and keep reminding us everyday of the deficit and the mess Labour have left us in. Maybe he has a point. The problems he has now are some of the worsed economic problems the World has saw. Just ask Cameron.

Its actually ridiculous the recent criticism coming his way. If someone had a plan to deal with this oil crisis then do you not think it would have been done? Does anyone honestly think that BP are happy that 15% of there value has wiped off in 2 weeks. The mid-terms in November wont show any movement either way as no-one trusts the Republicans either - especially if the ridiculous Pallin is there figurehead.

P.S. The writer Peter Wehner previously worked in the administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush so take anything that comes out o his mouth with a pinch of salt.

Edited by Wanta996Gotta on Wednesday 2nd June 15:38

Jimbeaux

Original Poster:

33,791 posts

233 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
HundredthIdiot said:
Sums what up?

I just see a load of partisan whining from Bush's speechwriter.
He has been more than that. It sums up what we all see on the news everyday. The man can't cut it and his own party knows it. Democrats running for re-election don't even want him to come to their rallies.

Spiritual_Beggar

4,833 posts

196 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Jimbeaux said:
HundredthIdiot said:
Sums what up?

I just see a load of partisan whining from Bush's speechwriter.
He has been more than that. It sums up what we all see on the news everyday. The man can't cut it and his own party knows it. Democrats running for re-election don't even want him to come to their rallies.
Oh, I don't know about that. I think it's still too early to judge his presidential term.

I'm still a bit sceptical about him, but I have my reasons for that (already reneged on a fair few, and quite important, pre-election promises), but I do think he has been given an unecessary hard ride over healthcare. There is no doubt in my mind that the vast majority of the country will be better of for it (assuming they don't make a complete and utter balls up like we have made, mainly through poor management).

Wanta996Gotta

5,622 posts

209 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Jimbeaux said:
HundredthIdiot said:
Sums what up?

I just see a load of partisan whining from Bush's speechwriter.
He has been more than that. It sums up what we all see on the news everyday. The man can't cut it and his own party knows it. Democrats running for re-election don't even want him to come to their rallies.
Cant cut what? Oil crises? Economy? Foreign affairs? Care to elaborate instead of coming out with quotes that have no substance.

Jimbeaux

Original Poster:

33,791 posts

233 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Wanta996Gotta said:
Have any of you watched Fox news(Glen Beck is like a WWE character but actually real) or followed American politics over the years? Have you paid attention to the tea party movement or the ridiculous Pallin being one of the favourites to be the Repbulican leader? The healthcare plan alone in his first year is bigger than anything that Bush done in his two terms.

He walked into this economic crises just as the Tories have and keep reminding us everyday of the deficit and the mess Labour have left us in. Maybe he has a point. The problems he has now are some of the worsed economic problems the World has saw. Just ask Cameron.

Its actually ridiculous the recent criticism coming his way. If someone had a plan to deal with this oil crisis then do you not think it would have been done? Does anyone honestly think that BP are happy that 15% of there value has wiped off in 2 weeks. The mid-terms in November wont show any movement either way as no-one trusts the Republicans either - especially if the ridiculous Pallin is there figurehead.

Edited by Wanta996Gotta on Wednesday 2nd June 15:35
How blinkered are you? hehe First, the "Tea Party" is not the nuts they are made out to be by the left, they are simply concerned Americans who prefer that the constitution be adhered to. The left is learning the hard way that protesting is not their private right. Next, Palin is not even close to being a top candidate for President. People like her as a zany friend but not as their leader. November will see a noticeable shift away from Democrats in the Senate. You don't see that because you do not live here and feel the mood everyday as we do.

Jimbeaux

Original Poster:

33,791 posts

233 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Spiritual_Beggar said:
Jimbeaux said:
HundredthIdiot said:
Sums what up?

I just see a load of partisan whining from Bush's speechwriter.
He has been more than that. It sums up what we all see on the news everyday. The man can't cut it and his own party knows it. Democrats running for re-election don't even want him to come to their rallies.
Oh, I don't know about that. I think it's still too early to judge his presidential term.

I'm still a bit sceptical about him, but I have my reasons for that (already reneged on a fair few, and quite important, pre-election promises), but I do think he has been given an unecessary hard ride over healthcare. There is no doubt in my mind that the vast majority of the country will be better of for it (assuming they don't make a complete and utter balls up like we have made, mainly through poor management).
Prepare to be disappointed.

HundredthIdiot

4,414 posts

286 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Jimbeaux said:
He has been more than that. It sums up what we all see on the news everyday. The man can't cut it and his own party knows it. Democrats running for re-election don't even want him to come to their rallies.
If what you say is true, can you not cite any more balanced sources saying the same thing?

Its difficult to take the musings of a Bush speechwriter at face value.

ErnestM

11,621 posts

269 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Palin is a stalking horse and a false target of the progressives. I doubt that we will seriously see her entertain further public office aspirations...

...still, as I have said before, it is entertaining to watch the palpable physical reactions of those left of centre when her name is mentioned. I can't decide which is more entertaining, the amount of foam at the mouth or the heads exploding.

Jimbeaux

Original Poster:

33,791 posts

233 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Wanta996Gotta said:
Jimbeaux said:
HundredthIdiot said:
Sums what up?

I just see a load of partisan whining from Bush's speechwriter.
He has been more than that. It sums up what we all see on the news everyday. The man can't cut it and his own party knows it. Democrats running for re-election don't even want him to come to their rallies.
Cant cut what? Oil crises? Economy? Foreign affairs? Care to elaborate instead of coming out with quotes that have no substance.
He promised a transparent administration, it is just the opposite.

He promised that the healthcare debate would be on C-Span TV for all to see. Most of the deals were in closed door Democrat-only meetings.

He promised not to hire lobbyists for key positions. He did just that and hired several.

He said he would hold regular press conferences to keep America informed. He has had only one since being elected. All others have been statements and no taking of questions. Even the Obama-friendly media is complaining about this one.

I could go on some more, but I think you get the point. He has to go.....and he will.

Wanta996Gotta

5,622 posts

209 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Jimbeaux said:
Wanta996Gotta said:
Have any of you watched Fox news(Glen Beck is like a WWE character but actually real) or followed American politics over the years? Have you paid attention to the tea party movement or the ridiculous Pallin being one of the favourites to be the Repbulican leader? The healthcare plan alone in his first year is bigger than anything that Bush done in his two terms.

He walked into this economic crises just as the Tories have and keep reminding us everyday of the deficit and the mess Labour have left us in. Maybe he has a point. The problems he has now are some of the worsed economic problems the World has saw. Just ask Cameron.

Its actually ridiculous the recent criticism coming his way. If someone had a plan to deal with this oil crisis then do you not think it would have been done? Does anyone honestly think that BP are happy that 15% of there value has wiped off in 2 weeks. The mid-terms in November wont show any movement either way as no-one trusts the Republicans either - especially if the ridiculous Pallin is there figurehead.

Edited by Wanta996Gotta on Wednesday 2nd June 15:35
How blinkered are you? hehe First, the "Tea Party" is not the nuts they are made out to be by the left, they are simply concerned Americans who prefer that the constitution be adhered to. The left is learning the hard way that protesting is not their private right. Next, Palin is not even close to being a top candidate for President. People like her as a zany friend but not as their leader. November will see a noticeable shift away from Democrats in the Senate. You don't see that because you do not live here and feel the mood everyday as we do.
Oh, enlighten us. Who will be leading the Republican party? Tell you what, give me 3 possible candidates. And we dont take the Tea Party or Pallin seriously atall but we know that some red-neck Republicans actually believe the nonsense that comes out of her mouth.

And since you from the US - Can you explain what/who Glen Beck is? Is he an actor or some kind of comedian? Just curious in how he gets so much airtime.

Jimbeaux

Original Poster:

33,791 posts

233 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
HundredthIdiot said:
Jimbeaux said:
He has been more than that. It sums up what we all see on the news everyday. The man can't cut it and his own party knows it. Democrats running for re-election don't even want him to come to their rallies.
If what you say is true, can you not cite any more balanced sources saying the same thing?

Its difficult to take the musings of a Bush speechwriter at face value.
Yes, I can. Where to begin in a sea of choices? Google is your friend.

Jimbeaux

Original Poster:

33,791 posts

233 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
ErnestM said:
Palin is a stalking horse and a false target of the progressives. I doubt that we will seriously see her entertain further public office aspirations...

...still, as I have said before, it is entertaining to watch the palpable physical reactions of those left of centre when her name is mentioned. I can't decide which is more entertaining, the amount of foam at the mouth or the heads exploding.
hehe They do strike at the bait with regularity don't they? hehe

308mate

13,757 posts

224 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
HundredthIdiot said:
Jimbeaux said:
He has been more than that. It sums up what we all see on the news everyday. The man can't cut it and his own party knows it. Democrats running for re-election don't even want him to come to their rallies.
If what you say is true, can you not cite any more balanced sources saying the same thing?

Its difficult to take the musings of a Bush speechwriter at face value.
yes

ears

Spiritual_Beggar

4,833 posts

196 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Jimbeaux said:
Prepare to be disappointed.
I wasn't implying that the majority of the country agree with him. But long term, I think the US would be able to make a better go at a NHS. The reason for all the crap and bad press it suffers here is down to the shoddy management and wasted expediture.


As I eluded to, I don't buy into this 'saviour' pedestal that many placed him on when he first made the scene. But, I think he gets quite a hard ride when you consider the amount of crap that was left on his doorstep, so to speak. It's the same here with the Coalition.


I think the biggest problem Obama had was that people 'believed the hype'. And as such, the guy was always going to fall short of expectations.

But, and a big but too;

He made several key election promises. KEY promises (ones that he said were 100%), that he has already gone back on. And I have a real problem with any politician (or anybody for that matter) that makes such important promises, gets elected on the back of those promises, and then never follows through.