Robert Reich: "if only we understood where the president is leading us."

[kpete]

Robert Reich
The Empty Bully Pulpit
Posted: 7/29/11 01:02 PM ET

///////////////

A president can be forgiven for compromising, if his supporters understand why he is doing so. That the health-care law doesn't include a public option, that financial reform doesn't limit the size of the biggest Wall Street banks, even that cuts may have to be made to Medicare or Social Security -- all could be accepted in light of the practical necessities of politics, if only we understood where the president is leading us.

Why is Obama not using the bully pulpit? Perhaps he's too embroiled in the tactical maneuvers that pass for policy making in Washington, or too intent on preserving political capital for the next skirmish, or cynical about how the media will relay or distort his message. He may also disdain the repetition necessary to break through the noise and drive home the larger purpose of his presidency. I have known (and worked for) presidents who succumbed to all these, at least for a time.

A more disturbing explanation is that he simply lacks the courage to tell the truth. He wants most of all to be seen as a responsible adult rather than a fighter. As such, he allows himself to be trapped by situations -- the debt-ceiling imbroglio most recently -- within which he tries to offer reasonable responses, rather than be the leader who shapes the circumstances from the start.

Obama cannot mobilize America around the truth, in other words, because he is continuously adapting to the prevailing view. This is not leadership.

the rest: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-reich/the-empty-bully-pulpit_b_913346.html

[Autumn]

1. But he has used the bully pulpit, SS and Medicare

were put on the table. I don't think anyone else could have done that.:shrug: It's leadership, just going in the wrong direction.

[WinkyDink]

74. No; the b.p. refers to getting Americans to see his view with clear and decisive language.

[Myrina]

79. ... I think POTUS sorta doesn't want us to see ...

The best way to avoid being pinned down by one side or the other, is to surround yourself with ambiguity. Become a walking Rorshach and let people think you are what they want to think you are. Then you can do whatever the hell it is you really want to and still be able to say "but I never said that!" to both sides.

[joeybee12]

2. Actually, if we go back a step, and find out where Geithner is leading Obama..

then we'll see where Obama is leading us.

[paparush]

45. ++

[JDPriestly]

65. And there is a good chance that Geithner is opposed to

Social Security and Medicare. That is suggested by the fact that Pete Peterson headed the committee that placed Geithner in charge of the Fed. (Before that, Geithner was at the IMF.)

Geithner is an anti-Social Security and Medicare mole. He looked the other way while Wall Street squandered the pension funds of the baby boomers and present retirees. And now he is directing Obama to take the first steps to destroy Social Security and Medicare.

[BeyondGeography]

3. I vote for disdain over lack of courage

Also, I'm sure he felt validated when his approach on tax cuts yielded a mini-legislative harvest.

This time, however, his restrained approach has marginalized his presidency. He's getting good ratings for "reasonableness," and not much else. Eventually, he will share an unfair portion of the blame for a downgraded credit rating. He can still course-correct and contrast their ideology with ours. Hope he does, and, as the economy won't be giving him any help, he needs to be as relentless as the opponent or he's a one-termer.

[indepat]

4. BHO is not given proper credit imnsho for getting done what he wants to get

done. :shrug: :patriot:

[amborin]

9. +1

[DURHAM D]

5. One thing about Clinton -

We didn't always agree with what he was doing but he always took us with him.

He respected us, he respected the voters enough to explain things.

[Cleita]

7. Yes, he made his case to convince us.

Both Bush and Obama seem to ignore us and push ahead with their agendas no matter how unpopular. I know Bush had no respect for the ordinary American, but I wonder if Obama doesn't know how to. I can't believe that he's that arrogant.

[truedelphi]

41. He cerrtainly knew how to rally his base back when we were

The ones he needed to vote him in to the Highest Office in the land.

He had an entire website devoted to correcting any lies that the Big Media people were telling about him.

Suddenly, he no longer has that ability?

One has to wonder...

[Whisp]

54. he did some pretty good convincing and talkin with the plain folks about NAFTA

and it was gobbled up, for the most part.

[Vanje]

55. G W Bush flat out said it:

"Who cares what you think?"

Obama seems to think similarly.

[OneGrassRoot]

13. Good point. n/t

[jillan]

69. Clinton was a far superior communicator than Obama. Obama talks and doesn't say much.

Seriously - what was that Monday nite prime time speech even about?

He didn't make news. He didn't calm anyone.

Clinton was able to connect with people. Obama doesn't seem to have that trait.

[JoePhilly]

6. Reich says he could accept cuts to Social Security and Medicare ....

everyone notices that, right?

Its in his second sentence .... "even that cuts may have to be made to Medicare or Social Security -- all could be accepted in light of the practical necessities of politics".

Reich could accept cuts to Medicare and Social Security.

He just put them on the table.

Was does he hate America?

[amborin]

8. wrong; please re-read and try to comprehend; Reich is using the subjunctive tense

Reich:

"A president can be forgiven for compromising, if his supporters understand why he is doing so. That the health-care law doesn't include a public option, that financial reform doesn't limit the size of the biggest Wall Street banks, even that cuts may have to be made to Medicare or Social Security -- all could be accepted in light of the practical necessities of politics, if only we understood where the president is leading us."

He's not endorsing these moves; just the opposite, he's decrying them. He's saying that unacceptable steps might be made plausible if there were some big picture, countervailing rationale.

[DURHAM D]

10. +1

[Flubadubya]

38. Ding, ding, ding... Spot On!

Amazing what spin can be conjured up by the slavish Obamaphiles when it suits their purposes.

Mr. Philly even has a separate thread going on this spurious premise that Reich espouses the right wing notion of endorsing draconian cuts to SS and MC.

It simply isn't so and I told old Joe that his attempt to fool the more sagacious denizens of DU was simply laughable.

[truedelphi]

42. The handlers that Obama has become

Partnered with are certainly aware of the bigger picture.

And those of us who rely on some realistic insights as to what is really going on economically understand the bigger picture as well.

Google Max Keiser and watch those videos. Obtain the video "The Shock Doctrine." And/or hang out at the economics forum right here at DU.

[nadinbrzezinski]

56. And I will say this goes beyond shock doctrine

even if it is partially that.

[lumberjack_jeff]

17. That depends on your definition of the word "if". n/t

[KG]

21. nice try.

:eyes:

[Marr]

34. I've noticed Obama's biggest defenders do what you just did there quite a bit.

They take a sentence out of context and assert that it means the speaker agrees with some right-wing agenda item-- even while denying that Obama has any intention of employing said agenda item. It's like, 'he'd never do that, and besides, everyone agrees we have no choice'.

[kenny blankenship]

11. Obama is a triangulator not a leader. He waits for SIDES to form & positions himself as above it all

He thinks of how he can distance himself from his party and pretend to be the great conciliator who brings two bickering sides together and synthesizes their positions so everyone is happy. He does not care to exert himself, as Reich puts it, explaining to the people what has happened, how we got here, how we can surmount our problems, and then rallying Americans who agree with him to overcome political resistance and overcome our challenges.

It's the "Vision Thing."

[KittyWampus]

15. The fact you disparage 'triangulating' shows how little you understand politics.

I don't think you even really know what triangulation means in a political context.

When you face an opposition that has more money and media power, your only option is to tack to the side whilst moving forward.

Just like sailing into strong head winds. It's IMPOSSIBLE to move directly forward.

The FACT is, Obama is moving us steadily forward to the Left. Slowly. But progress is being made.

[kenny blankenship]

20. If you think we're going to the left - you don't understand right and left.

We will have little to talk about.

[Fuddnik]

63. How do they get their shoes on right?

Obama? Left?

[trud]

49. KittyWampus

This is obviously some strange usage of the word 'Left' that I wasn't previously aware of. (Thank you, Douglas Adams.)

Actually, I'd like to send the Vogons after some people right about now.

[JDPriestly]

66. Precisely. And that is what I do not like.

The Republican leadership is like a pit bull defending the land of its owner.

Obama is like a hapless mail carrier walking right into the pit bull's mouth.

[Major Hogwash]

12. Riech is full of hot air. He says one thing on tv, and then something opposite when he writes.

I'm really sick of seeing what he writes about because he contradicts himself whenever he goes on tv.

[dreamnightwind]

35. Examples?

Or are we just supposed to accept this statement without any supporting facts?

I like Reich, a lot. I hear more truth out of him than almost anyone, whether it's in print or on TV.

[WinkyDink]

76. "Reich." And no, he does not contradict himself.

[bluethruandthru]

14. Wish I could recommend this a thousand times! n/t

[flamingdem]

16. More arrogant noise from the peanut gallery, as if he has half a clue of what

Obama is really dealing with ... another self congratulating pundit. What is he really adding to the discussion other than more speculation?

[treestar]

18. He doesn't understand?

Why does he get to write columns then, when he does not understand what is going on? Why does he insist the President lead him?

[blindpig]

19. I know where....

Hooverville

[WCGreen]

22. Amen, Robert., Amen...

[Faryn Balyncd]

23. " Obama cannot mobilize America around the truth...because he is continuously adapting to the preva

"Obama cannot mobilize America around the truth...because he is continuously adapting to the prevailing view."




We are on course to have destroyed the social compat before the Obama presidency is over.

[JDPriestly]

67. On edit:

"We are on course to have destroyed the social compact before the Obama presidency is FINALLY over.

[ProSense]

24. We're headed in the exact

opposite direction of failing to pass health care reform, repealing Glass-Steagall, enacting DOMA, DADT, welfare reform and NAFTA.

[jberryhill]

25. I'm not interested in being led

I don't need a leader.

[Gregorian]

30. We are the leaders.

That is what I find so disturbing about what is going on in Washington. WE are in the majority. The 'baggers are just a rag tag collection of loudmouths.

Sorry. I just felt like replying. I also don't need a leader. But I do recognize that those in the minority must be protected.

[jberryhill]

33. Well that's the point

This is supposed to be a form of democratic self government. If it's not working then some folks need to be asking themselves what they should be doing, and not looking for a leader.

[madrchsod]

43. beyond the thunder dome?

[CoffeeCat]

26. That's what I'd like to ask Obama...

"WHAT IN THE HELL ARE YOU DOING???"

Sick of trying to psychoanalyze his bad behavior.

Is he kow towing to the corporations?

Or maybe he's being blackmailed by the bully Republicans?

Or possibly he's just an inexperienced wimp who just doesn't know how to leverage and fight for BASIC principles
of the Democratic party.

Maybe he's the greatest liar of the century?

Perhaps the Presidency no longer holds power in this country--with the real power being wielded from behind
the scenes by the elites and corporations who TELL the President what will happen.

In any case---the President really does owe us an explanation, no matter what the situation is.

It's possible that he's not even in control, and if that's the case--he owes it to the people who elected
him--to level with us. We elected him--not Wall Street, BP and the Koch Brothers. If
he knows an ugly reality and that our democracy is in peril--he either tells "We The People" or he's an
accomplice.

[hifiguy]

40. He is serving the interests of the people who own him

lock stock and barrel. Remember if you will that the biggest single source of his campaign contributions was Wall Street. You expect him to serve anyone else?

[eilen]

44. He is either a liar or insane.

I don't think he is insane.


his own words:


"For the last decade, we have spent more money than we take in. In the year 2000, the government had a budget surplus. But instead of using it to pay off our debt, the money was spent on trillions of dollars in new tax cuts, while two wars and an expensive prescription drug program were simply added to our nation’s credit card."

If Obama believed that the Bush policies are what caused the problem, why has he continued virtually all of them?

He's saying one thing for liberal base people, but his budget proposal does not:

1. End the tax breaks.
2. End the occupations and wars.
3. End most subsidies for the health care industry.
4. End expansion of the military.

Instead, it cuts entitlements, and domestic discretionary spending--basically, besides the prisons, Homeland Security/TSA and breaking up MJ growers/dispensaries, he basically guts domestic government.

He might as well say-- We were attacked on 9/11 so we must invade Iraq.

[trud]

51. CoffeeCat

My frame of mind exactly. For some time I have thought, what the hell is Obama doing. And I have considered all the options you list;. I think he is just plain (1) over his head, and (2) without any dedication to Democratic principles.

[anAustralianobserver]

62. Kow towing - indirectly, blackmailed Y, inexperienced Y, presidency no longer what it was Y

Also he's afraid of calling out Dem committee leaders, senators etc. for fear the Party will implode and the Rs will be back in charge. Too many back room deals; and only someone with as high an IQ as Obama or Bill Clinton could have kept the house of cards/plate-spinning display together this long.

I think he is dedicated to democratic principles but he's (understandably) overwhelmed and too willing to use his talents to error on the side of obfuscation and face-saving on behalf of the extensively corrupted establishment in all 3 branches, both parties (mostly the Rs of course) and the Pentagon and I agencies.

That's what makes sense to me at this point.


Edited to affirm your point: Whatever it is, he owes you a whole bunch of explanations!

[WinkyDink]

77. "...he is dedicated to democratic principles...." There is zero to date evidence to support this.

And believe me, I became a major fan after I heard Obama in person, during the primaries. I got thisclose to shaking his hand. I took great pride in voting for him and for the Party, MY Party, that finally transcended the racial divide.

Sigh.

[readmoreoften]

27. If he proposes cuts to SS, I know exactly where he's leading us. nt

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

28. But, the prez is keeping mum about his all to obvious reasons.

Except when he talks about the "necessity" of "bi-partisanship".

[midnight]

29. Obama doesn't find the need to defend the poor.... He sees that

they are lesser and require no voice at the table.... Instead at the table, he has all the loud screaming entitled folks who demand that they receive everything and nothing less. Obama has already told us the truth.. Just ask your self what is a Reagan Democrat?

[lebkuchen]

31. It seems like it's all too easy to do nothing and let the rethugs hang themselves

Yet, time is of the essence.

[Fuddnik]

64. The problem is, we're getting hung first.

[nashville_brook]

32. the absence of leadership has left the people with nothing but cynicism

regarding this mess.

[thelordofhell]

36. The abundance of cynicism has destroyed the sense of optimism

[txlibdem]

37. I thought I voted for a President, not a Capitulator In Chief

eom

[girl gone mad]

39. k & r

[MissDeeds]

46. K&R

[grahamhgreen]

47. Kick

[onehandle]

48. The President's priority is re-election.

I've never seen a President so focused on winning a second term.

[texanwitch]

50. He is going about it a funny way.

He pissed me off.

[onehandle]

57. It's all about the middle.

That, I assume, is not you or I.

[texanwitch]

59. You are so right.

I worked early voting for the primary and people waited for 3 hours just to vote.

People who had never voted before, so excited.

I don't think the excitment will be the same again.

I quess he has his money all lined up but money is not votes at the polls.

His base just doesn't count.

[Poll_Blind]

52. +1

PB

[ohwinston]

53. The empty bully pulpit.

This is a simple matter of Obama being a devote of Milton
Friedman and supply side economoics.  Obama
has fully embraced George W. Bush's policies.  Extending the
Bush era tax cuts is no differenct than
the governor of Wisconsin pushing through 160 million in tax
cuts for out of state corporations and
then declaring a budget emergency.  Moreover, this is The
Shock Doctrine.  Creating a crisis and then
forcing totally unnecessary reforms.  Obama is the man who put
destruction of Social Security and
Medicare on the table.  He should not be given a second term. 
Unless it is in debtors prison.

[Raksha]

58. I hope you're wrong about Obama being a devotee of Milton Friedman

and supply side economics. I would really like to know the truth about that. You NEVER hear him defending Keynesian economics, and he seems to reinforce all the Republican talking points at every opportunity, like saying "we need to tighten our belts." Really? Why do we need to tighten our belts?

That sort of thing makes me very suspicious. I wouldn't go as far as to say he put the "destruction of SS and Medicare on the table, but he certainly put cuts to those programs on the table. Nobody asked him to either--he offered them in his deal with the devil. That kind of thing makes me very suspicious.

[rury]

60. If only Robert Reich understood that the president is NOT the only

elected official in Washington and cannot singlehandedly lead us anywhere. There is this co-equal branch of government called Congress and it's constitutional powers and responsibilities include writing laws and allocating money.
And currently that branch is controlled by Rethuglikkkansvwho oppose anything and everything President Obama does - no matter how he screams from the bully pulpit.
"Progressives" who refused to vote in the midterm elections in their asinine attempt to "teach Obama a lesson" bear a helluva a lot of responsibility for putting the friggin' Tea Party in power - so thanks for nothing!
And "be a leader who shapes circumstances from the start" WTF !!!!!??????:wtf: :shrug: Is President Obama supposed to be a f%#^ing magician?
Who shapes their circumstances?
The president is a adjusting to and handling his circumstances admirably in the face of unrelenting opposition.

[DesertDiamond]

61. I don't see him adapting to the prevailing view, at least not of the common people.

p

[eridani]

68. I understand perfectly well. He's leading us straight to hell

Just slower than a Republican would.

[McCamy Taylor]

70. Dems knew he was cool and intellectual when they voted for him. If they wanted tears and emotion

Hillary showed them that in New Hampshire.

Yes, he should be out there sharing our pain in the best Bill Clinton manner. But he is cool and intellectual, the way he was back in 2008. So he comes off like Bush Sr. during the 1992 recession.

I wonder why Michelle does not get out there and do an Eleanor Roosevelt. I remember her being much more emotional during the campaign.

[democrank]

71. Obama isn`t a leader.

He`s a get-alonger.

[a2liberal]

72. K&R (n/t)

[WinkyDink]

73. "Why is Obama not using the bully pulpit?"~~~ I've asked/posted that more than once.

[myrna minx]

75. K&R n/t

[Turbineguy]

78. He's leading us

to vote for a better Congress. Instead of one dominated by dangerous idiots.