Friday, July 30, 2010
Why does Obama kick his friends and play kissy face with his enemies?
Paul Krugman, for all his knowledge and wisdom doesn't have the answer to that question either. But he does make clear that such a policy would be a very bad idea if it keeps Elizabeth Warren out of the CFPB.
But protecting consumers, ensuring that they aren’t the victims of predatory financial practices, is something voters can relate to. And choosing a high-profile consumer advocate to lead the agency providing that protection — someone whose scholarship and advocacy were largely responsible for the agency’s creation — is the natural move, both substantively and politically. Meanwhile, the alternative — disappointing supporters yet again by choosing some little-known technocrat — seems like an obvious error.I keep telling Obama the same thing and he doesn't listen to me either. But Dr. Krugman does leave us with some words to the wise.
So why is this issue still up in the air? Yes, Republicans might well try to filibuster a Warren appointment, but that’s a fight the administration should welcome.
O.K., I don’t really know what’s going on. But I worry that Mr. Obama is still wrapped up in his dream of transcending partisanship, while his aides dislike the idea of having to deal with strong, independent voices. And the end result of this game-playing is an administration that seems determined to alienate its friends.
Just to be clear, progressives would be foolish to sit out this election: Mr. Obama may not be the politician of their dreams, but his enemies are definitely the stuff of their nightmares. But Mr. Obama has a responsibility, too. He can’t expect strong support from people his administration keeps ignoring and insulting.SO we will see if "Wise is as wise does".
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Thanks for covering Paul's thoughts here, Montag.
I've wondered how to address this problem myself.
I support the platform that Obama ran on, but not many of his policies since winning. And certainly not letting them get away with not at least having to declare their opposition to Elizabeth Warren's candidacy.
What to do?
We continue to urge him to take a more progressive path and to fight the enemies of true progress and not to compromise away our principles.
Because the alternative is truly frightening.
S
But Mr. Obama has a responsibility, too. He can’t expect strong support from people his administration keeps ignoring and insulting.
____________
I've wondered how to address this problem myself.
I support the platform that Obama ran on, but not many of his policies since winning. And certainly not letting them get away with not at least having to declare their opposition to Elizabeth Warren's candidacy.
What to do?
We continue to urge him to take a more progressive path and to fight the enemies of true progress and not to compromise away our principles.
Because the alternative is truly frightening.
S
But Mr. Obama has a responsibility, too. He can’t expect strong support from people his administration keeps ignoring and insulting.
____________
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