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Obama's Tax Deal
Dec. 8th, 2010 09:19 amSo, the Vast Left-Wing Conspiracy (tm) called, and apparently I'm supposed to talk about Obama's tax deal with the Republicans. Actually, so did the right-wing: Rand Simberg thinks Obama needs a teleprompter.
Well, I watched the conference, and I didn't see a "peevish" Obama. I saw a man telling unpopular truths. The Republicans are taking hostages (and have been for some time). Democrats who want every jot and tittle of a program will be disappointed. And there will be many more political fights, starting with Obama making Boehner get the votes to extend the debt ceiling. What Obama is trying to do is clear the field of non-combatants.
I don’t think this was Obama’s intention, but if he gets the Democrats sufficiently pissed off to actually fight, they may get a better (from the D’s point of view) deal. After all, once everybody’s taxes go up January 1, the pressure on the Republicans will go up. Again, probably not by plan, but this news conference may be the equivalent of the coach yelling at his team at half-time.
Regarding the hissy-fit from the left, including Rachel Maddow, I agree with Ballon Juice - Infallibility—its not just for Popes anymore. The "professional left" is full of advice for Obama. Considering how unsuccessful they've been at actually getting stuff implemented, I for one think Obama's doing fine.
Well, I watched the conference, and I didn't see a "peevish" Obama. I saw a man telling unpopular truths. The Republicans are taking hostages (and have been for some time). Democrats who want every jot and tittle of a program will be disappointed. And there will be many more political fights, starting with Obama making Boehner get the votes to extend the debt ceiling. What Obama is trying to do is clear the field of non-combatants.
I don’t think this was Obama’s intention, but if he gets the Democrats sufficiently pissed off to actually fight, they may get a better (from the D’s point of view) deal. After all, once everybody’s taxes go up January 1, the pressure on the Republicans will go up. Again, probably not by plan, but this news conference may be the equivalent of the coach yelling at his team at half-time.
Regarding the hissy-fit from the left, including Rachel Maddow, I agree with Ballon Juice - Infallibility—its not just for Popes anymore. The "professional left" is full of advice for Obama. Considering how unsuccessful they've been at actually getting stuff implemented, I for one think Obama's doing fine.
