I am hesitant to criticize the President at this time.

[kentuck]

Maybe it's my natural tendency to defend the underdog?

I do not like to see anyone kicked while they are down. Even though I may disagree with the way the President is governing, I disagree even more with the back-slapping Republicans laughing and joking about how they held our county hostage and how they got the ransom they wanted from this President.

It just burns my ass.

So I will withhold any negative comments about the President at this time. That doesn't mean I agree with him. It simply means I vehemently disagree with the dumb-ass, tea-bagging Republicans more.

[pnwmom]

1. +1. n/t

[Firebrand Gary]

2. I am 100% with you on this one.

I may not have that first date feeling, but I am certainly not looking to break up with him.

[calimary]

7. Now THAT is a good way to word it. Metaphors help a lot sometimes.

Or you could always fall back on "...and the alternative is...?"

I too choose to stand by Obama at this time. I'm hoping these hyenas high-fiving about what they got away with will start to make themselves look bad in the eyes of the public. I keep reminding myself - THIS IS AUGUST. Of 2011. The election that counts is 15 months away. A LOT can happen between now and then. Let's not write his political obit just yet. Like it or not, we're all going to have to stand up for him in a year and three months. Otherwise - hope you like what we're all getting now. NOT standing with Obama (even with gritted teeth - just fucking DO IT) means you're gonna have teabaggers shoved down your throat and up your ass while you drown in a tsunami of them. Will THAT make you happy? You want THOSE dingdongs picking the next Supreme Court justice? Dear GOD!!!!! :scared:

[leftstreet]

3. A President with more political capital than any in our lifetimes - an 'underdog?'

How did that happen?

Interesting talking point coming out of DC though. 'underdog' lol. At least we can retire 'shellacking.'

[readmoreoften]

4. +1

[Armstead]

5. Now is exactly the time to be criticizing him.

He and his staff are preparing a "reboot" for the upcoming election. Not that we can change their minds on a message board, but constructive criticism and suggestions are important in the overall dialogue.

But I still luvs ya buddy.

[kentuck]

9. Maybe it's just me?

It just doesn't feel right for me. I'm not saying he doesn't deserve criticism. I'm just not the right person to be doing it.

[Armstead]

18. That shows you're a good person and honest....My own opinion is...

that he brought this on himself, and deserves criticism for things he chose to do.

But that's what makes horse racing, as they say.

[Enrique]

6. his monthlong vacation on Martha's Vineyard might ease the pain

lots of suffering Americans out here that can't even dream of such a thing. And imo, Obama is letting the GOP kick these people when they're down.

[KoKo]

12. I think his fundraiser in Chicago eased the pain...

I will spare you the details...but you can Google "Lynn Sweet+Chicago Tribune, Obama's 50th." Read it and weep...

I have no problem with our President Celebrating his 50th in any way he wanted...but the cordoning off of donors who gave high ammounts (&$35,000 + for "special seating and handshakes with Pres...etc. on down to the lesser donors)...well it reminded me of the King and his Courtiers and then down to the "lesser mortals" looking for scraps from the table and and a concert.

I know this sounds harsh...but it sort of struck me as kind of not really why we voted for him....made me question..what's it all about, really. Dem/Repug...what's the difference?

[cherokeeprogressive]

36. I wonder how many of the attendees arrived in Chicago on private jets... n/t

[Richardo]

8. Excellent post

K&R

[SoutherDem]

10. Is there a point we can criticize too much?

I am not agreeing or disagreeing with the criticism some are making toward President Obama. I am just asking is there a point that Democrats can criticize someone like Bachman or Perry into office?

[gkhouston]

16. Yes, but only in the dark while standing under the Cone of Silence. n/t

[jaxx]

20. Yes there is that point, and we are there.

[noise]

22. No kidding it's past time to circle the wagons

The 2012 election should be our priority.

:sarcasm:

[Fire1]

32. Agree. I say, you're either WITH him or AGAINST him.

This is NO time for fuckin "in betweens" and dumb ass "mixed" feelings. FUCK THAT!! If they feel like that then get off the board and go to a fuckin tea party! Yeah, I SAID it!

[dennis4868]

11. Just read this...

if you like facts: http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/08/presidential-...

Obama is not down my friend! :-)

[KoKo]

13. BTW, Kentuck....How can you see Obama as an "Underdog?"

:wow:

[JoseGaspar]

14. Now I see where the Democrats get their lame...

It comes from the OP's end of the "base".

The guy does the opposite of everything he ever ran on, presides over the transformation of the greatest unearned Democratic Party mandate in a century into a sea of poo, sits on his thumbs while 20 million are unemployed and 10 million more lose their houses, sets many Bush policies in stone... AND he calls you names...

And you pick that moment to turn the other cheek, J.C.?

Damn, that's lame.

[kentuck]

15. You're entitled to your opinion...

I just don't feel like putting on the other boot at this time. You can kick him if you want. I am hesitant to join you at this time.

[leftstreet]

17. +1

:thumbsup:

'presides over the transformation of the greatest unearned Democratic Party mandate in a century into a sea of poo,'

Nicely stated

[proud patriot]

23. Do you want a hug ? you sound discouraged

:hug:

[blindpig]

37. How is that discouragement?

Simple statement of fact. In truth this realization should be liberating, once you get past the bullshit real possibilities become apparent. But some prefer to hang on to their delusions like a security blanket despite their lying eyes.

[proud patriot]

41. you sound discouraged by the President

but you can keep insulting me if you like .. I'll keep offering you hugs:hug: because I can understand
your discouragement. I try not to let mine "cut off my nose despite my face" which is what I feel many
partisans do by not seeing the effort to do the best possible for the American people.

[blindpig]

42. How can I be disappointed when I expected nothing?

While he has been faster to advance the ruling class agenda than I ever imagined possible I certainly did not expect a pony. I've been reading Glen Ford for years, maybe you should, shed some illusions.

[proud patriot]

44. Thanks for the reading recommendation

:hug:

[noise]

19. Propaganda works

The right wing tea party garbage was in part intended to make Democratic voters rally behind the President.

[proud patriot]

21. Yes I spend many hrs defending him on the WH facebook page

I'd much rather spend my time educating as many RWers as possible than hampering the President
from implementing his progressive ideals.

[EFerrari]

30. There is no evidence he has progressive ideals. n/t

[proud patriot]

31. I disagree, there is plenty of evidence

:hi: for those willing to look

[blindpig]

38. Ideals don't mean shit if there is no action to back them up. n/t

[proud patriot]

40. So you don't think he's doing the best he can

while I do.

[blindpig]

43. For the ruling class he certainly is, for the rest, not at all.n't

[proud patriot]

45. I still disagree

but it's okay to Disagree. Thanks for the Duologue :hi:

[BlueIris]

24. I am also (trying to) abstain from criticism at this time.

Because I think the problems are beyond criticism.

[mitchtv]

25. don't worry, you will be back in the saddle

before the next surrender. You know he will

[kentuck]

26. I said "at this time".

:-)

[RickFromMN]

27. I will say when I agree with President Obama, or when I disagree. It's bad when I'm quiet.

When I'm quiet, it means I've given up on President Obama.

It means I've come to the conclusion President Obama will never learn to stand on principle,
will never learn to stand up to the bullies in the Republican Party, will have a failed Presidency.

So far, I still have hope. With each passing Grand Bargain, I'm losing hope.

Even his pride and joy, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, faces danger.
Republicans are threatening to gut it, to repeal it, to wreck it.
Will President Obama fight for even this, or will he capitulate in some Grand Bargain?

The Republicans think they know how to push President Obama around.
They've been very successful.

How can President Obama send the Republicans the message they can't push him around?
They don't believe President Obama. They've rolled him too many times.

The stakes can only get higher and higher. Eventually the stakes will get too high.
It would have been better to say no when the stakes weren't too high, but it's too late now.

He's going to have to say no, with the result the world economy will be plunged into depression.
Nothing less will stop the Republicans pushing him around. It will be a disaster for everyone.

[Angry Dragon]

28. But he is giving us free birth control for everyone

[woo me with science]

34. ...

:rofl:

i like you.

[emilyg]

29. He's not an underdog - we are.

[blm]

33. I don't agree with him much lately. I haven't always agreed with Gore or even Kerry, either.

But, I know math - and I know the GOP is wrong for this country 100% of the time.

[Rex]

35. No problem I will for you.

Stop being a corporate suit and go play outside in the sunshine. Get some fresh air.

[Snoutport]

39. I rec'd this and it disappeared so I guess I'll have to kick it instead.

Imagine how much easier the job was for bush...walking into a surplus with America working.

Obama was handed a mighty nasty mess to sort out and I have been holding my judgement on him knowing that the big fight is coming.

I will vote Democratic in the next election and am not going to do anything now to undermine Obama's strength going into the election.