Joe Klein: Obama Needs To Get Tougher On Domestic Agenda

TIME:

Barack Obama has been President for six months now, and we are beginning to learn a few things about how he does business. The most surprising of these is that he is a vehement traditionalist, a small-c conservative, despite his opponents' best efforts to paint him as a radical. [...]

The fact is, Obama may be blowing a major opportunity for reform with his domestic-policy diffidence. He came to office faced with an unprecedented economic crisis, and he focused on it successfully during his first 100 days, giving two excellent speeches about the need for a stimulus plan and general economic reform. He has lost that focus as his other initiatives have come online; he has failed to speak with precision or clarity about the bills wandering through Congress. He has failed to make clear what needs to be in those bills -- and what can't be -- if he is going to sign them. He also needs to update the public on his stimulus plan, especially now that his Vice President inadvertently dissed it. And he needs to make a direct assault on the greedheads who created the Ponzi economy and are now trying to gut his plan to make them do business honestly.

Read the whole story: TIME

Comments

[Moshe]

Obama is a great man who could be one of our greatest presidents.

But so far, he is proving an increasingly sad disappointment on some issues that really matter.

If Obama does not put the evil genie of government lawlessness back in the bottle, and fast, we may never regain our democracy and the Rule of Law, and will increasingly slide into an authoritarian police state in which the law is only what the people with the power say it is. You will have no rights other than those they choose to allow you.

The last eight years were a shameless, lawless free-for-all of political corruption, greed, and out right theft. And so far, no real accountability nor any serious indications that real accountability is coming.

The Wallstreet thieves are still looting our treasury, the MIC no-bid contractors as still gleefully cashing the checks from two unnecessary and disastrous wars, clearly illegal torture is still being openly defended and its advocates and practitioners have not been held to account under the law. Instead, we are told to "look forward not backward" which is a very nice way to say that we are looking the other way on crimes against humanity.

We are at a turning point in our history. I believe you know better President Obama, and that you can do far better. Stop trying to comprimise with those who committed crimes. Instead, enforce the law and Constitution you swore to uphold.

[fairtaxnow]

"I believe you know better President Obama, and that you can do far better. Stop trying to comprimise with those who committed crimes. Instead, enforce the law and Constitution you swore to uphold."

Apparently you are unable to grasp the concept of the wizards BEHIND the curtain. If you think that the President of the US in the most powerful man in the world then you are SORELY mistaken. In America, the ones with the money run the country.

"Today the path of total dictatorship in the United States can be laid by strictly legal means, unseen and unheard by the Congress, the President, or the people. Outwardly we have a Constitutional government. We have operating within our government and political system, another body representing another form of government - a bureaucratic elite." Senator William Jenner, 1954

[Moshe]

"In America, the ones with the money run the country"

That's the point. An "America" in which money rules over justice is an America not worthy of the name or the respect so many have sacrificed so much for.

We can and must do better. And the President of the United States does play an essential role in our system, for better or worse.

[fairtaxnow]

I agree with your sentiment. Perhaps it will take a quote from a former President to make you see the light.

"Since I entered politics, I have chiefly had mens views confided to me privately. Some of the biggest men in the United States, in the Field of commerce and manufacture, are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it." Woodrow Wilson,The New Freedom (1913)

Any questions?

[BabuS5]

Conservatism is a cancer running thorugh americas vains, hope we can find a cure for it soon.

[fairtaxnow]

The correct term that you are looking for is FASCISM. Try reading a dictionary sometime or maybe a history book.

[Altruth]

Joe Klein, who are you? President Obama has done more positives in months than Bush did in eight (8) years!

[barackobama4prez]

We are all just nervous is all. We've never been this close to real change before. Never.

But the captain is still cool, calm and collected....the media is losing their minds, politicians and voters are losing their minds...but Obama sees the big picture.

Reminds me of why I voted for him and why I must trust until he delivers. If he doesn't deliver, he will have confirmed all of our worst fears. If Congress doesn't deliver, they will suffer.

[fairtaxnow]

Does this include CONTINUING Bush era policies on military tribunal, holding innocent people indefinately, bailing out failing companies with taxpayer funds, continuing the Wars n Iraq and Afganistain,etc. You really should try getting your info from other sources than the corporate media organizations.

[jsgaetano]

What makes Joe Klein think he has any credibility?

He lost that many, many years ago.

[talkitreal]

Since the day he took office, President Obama has made it very clear what his Domestic priorities are:
The Economy, Healthcare, Education and Energy!

With the Stimulus Package President Obama he already made significant investments in EVERY one of these 4 areas, FOR EXAMPLE: In the Stimulus Package, Billion of dollars was invested in Alternative Energy, and also invested in upgrading the electrical grid. AND President Obama, countinues to focus on these 4 areas: The Economy, Healthcare, Education, and Energy. - as more legislation concerning theses 4 areas are right now making their way through the Congress right now.

We know that President Obama wants a public option when it comes to Healthcare Reform.

We know that President Obama wants a Climate Bill / "Cap and Trade" bill that focuses on reducing pollution, the legistlation is currently in the Senate.

President Obama has already signed a Credit Card reform bill that helps to better protect consumers, from the unfair practises of rate hikes, and abusive fees, used by the Credit card companies.

President Obama, has already signed a law to protect homeowners from mortgage fraud.

President Obama also already signed a law that bans tobacco advertising within a thousand feet of schools and playgrounds, and bans to marketing of products to children by using appealing flavors . The law also forces these companies to more clearly and publicly acknowledge the harmful and deadly effects of the products they sell.

[maggienash65]

Doesn't matter what he does, they are out to get him for any reason they can. Very sad if you look at the reason why.

[billw8017]

All of this is true, and it's also true that he has opponents who feel they gain if he fails. Major changes do not happen in a moment, but we can expect a transformation to advance at a more glacial speed. The President is right to think about deep structural changes that work to our benefit as we move out of the current recession. Remember, unemployment has its fans, the Fed uses it to fight inflation and employers like the power it gives them over their workers. When Republicans rail against unemployment, they are merely cynical, but ready to restore joblessness if people begin to prosper. The President is right to seek the widest possible support so that his changes can be truly transformational.

That said, I don't think the emphases on the biggest banks is rightly placed but the economy may recover despite that. Those people seeking work and making work should be regarded as heroes for the rest of us. While corporations respond to an economic downturn by laying off workers and hunkering down, they have always been an aggravating factor in recessions. Whereas, a hundred years ago, Detroit called itself "America's Machine Shop," the very success of the auto industry undermined and ruined Detroit until now, it may become the greatest of the American cities to ever dissolve itself and vanish from the map.

[talkitreal]

Since the day he took office, President Obama has made it very clear what his Domestic priorities are:
The Economy, Healthcare, Education and Energy!

With the Stimulus Package President Obama he already made significant investments in EVERY one of these 4 areas, FOR EXAMPLE: In the Stimulus Package, Billion of dollars was invested in Alternative Energy, and also invested in upgrading the electrical grid. AND President Obama, countinues to focus on these $ areas: The Economy, Healthcare, Education, and Energy. - as more legislation concerning theses 4 areas are right now making their way through the Congress right now.

We know that President Obama wants a public option when it comes to Healthcare Reform.

We know that President Obama wants a Climate Bill / "Cap and Trade" bill that focuses on reducing pollution, the legistlation is currently in the Senate.

President Obama has already signed a Credit Card reform bill that helps to better protect consumers, from the unfair practises of rate hikes, and abusive fees, used by the Credit card companies.

President Obama, has already signed a law to protect homeowners from mortgage fraud.

President Obama also already signed a law that bans tobacco advertising within a thousand feet of schools and playgrounds, and bans to marketing of products to children by using appealing flavors . The law also forces these companies to more clearly and publicly acknowledge the harmful and deadly effects of the products they sell.

[Jond0]

We're saved!!!

[Countdown09]

The amount of influence Pres. Obama has over House and Senate depends on us! WE have to apply the pressure -- WRITE and call your elected officials regularly about the issues that concern you. I've made it clear to mine (on several occasions) that if a public health care option is not passed I will hold THEM not Pres. Obama accountable come election time.

[RegLib]

Well said.

[lifeagain]

Obama is trying his best. The only problem is this. He has no clue on how to create jobs. The stimulus is going to fail. It is obvious. If they are talking a second one, that is great indicator that the dems are getting nervous. The public does not want a second stimulus because they know the result will be massive inflation. Obama and the dems will do it anyways and pray. It is obvious from the threads here, the dems are getting nervous. sorry..

[mikerobjohn]

Excellent article! In other words Mr. President, You need to go back to your campaign speeches.

The real American people (non-racist and full of love (GOD) not hate (Devil)) are with you.

[ezeflyer]

Progress could be our most important product, but conservatives are the obstacles to progress.

[fairtaxnow]

Will corparate media report on this?

Akron police investigate teen mob attack on family

It came after a family night of celebrating America and freedom with a fireworks show at Firestone Stadium. Marshall, his family and two friends were gathered outside a friend's home in South Akron.

Out of nowhere, the six were attacked by dozens of teenage boys, who shouted ''This is our world'' and ''This is a black world'' as they confronted Marshall and his family.

http://www.ohio.com/news/50172282.html

[TaxDayMan]

Don't worry it wasn't a "h@te crime" the victims were white! Libs, LoL!

[confuseddemocrat]

You make it seem like that is a national trend...or that somehow Obama has incited violence against non-blacks

Where are your links reporting all those incidences in the USA whereby violence has been perpetrated against Hispanics and immigrants,

Violence which is spurred on, in part, by the anti-immigration rhetoric coming from the conservatives and ultra-right

[JulieSA]

Dems are in complete control of the government. Don't shirk your repsonsiblity--lead.

[Jond0]

Yeah! Why can't he herd us cats, I wonder?

[redstrat]

I know there is a lot going on right now but Obama surely is losing that hope he helped restore in americans by ignoring or even flip flopping on domestic issues to preserve the status quo. its rediculous, whats it take to get things through Washington?

[LHoney]

Lots and lots of money...

[aramos]

Why would you expect anything more than a mediocre Presidency from Obama? Because he speaks well? None of his past accomplishments (if there are any) seem to indicate that he will noteworthy for anything more than being the first Bi-racial President elected in US history.

Sorry to disappoint you.

[mikerobjohn]

As opposed to not speaking well (BUSH) and still failed (BUSH)!

BTW, What were Bush's accomplishments before he was granted permission by the Supreme Court??

[TaxDayMan]

Two terms as Texas' Governor more then the "community organizer" and hold but to busy "running for president" to be a junior Senator!

[IndieBlue]

Lets see...
Failed oil man, failed ball club owner, twice cited by the SEC, one charge of drunk and disorderly at a football game, multiple DWIs...

[Mystic01]

I'd still rather have him than McCain, any day of the week. Yeah, I voted for Obama, and I've been sometimes disappointed--and sometimes very happy--with what he's done. I can't believe we'd be better off with McCain/Palin right now.

[fets49]

I agree. I'd say we'd be far worse off -- in the eyes of the rest of the world if nothing else.

[Imago]

Would you people please actually do some reading about what Obama has accomplished?

This is still nonsense, each time you say it.

[maggienash65]

I think I would expect "respect" for one. I think the point you made is well taken. "Bi-racial".

[1088]

The Problem is not Obama, it's the Senate who wants to gut every thing for the Big Corporations. We don't have 60 Dems, we have 50 Dems and 10 Republicants who call themselves Dems. We the people have to stop them.

[TaxDayMan]

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll

Obama's Daily Presidential Approval Index rating of –8 and yes general approval is at 53% just about what he was elected by! 9.5%, 10% ,11% maybe more unemployment rate; "Misread economy"; Cape and Trade (or Bait and Switch); tripling of the money supply and 2 trillion dollor deficts and 10 trillion dollar debt; the moderates and bluedog dems in congress getting "nervous" with it all. 2010 and 2012 should get very interesting!

[TaxDayMan]

Presidential Approval Index rating of minus 8!

[IndieBlue]

"That’s about what you’d expect from a President transitioning from a honeymoon period to a time when he will start to be judged by his policies. Those numbers translate to a Presidential Approval Index that has declined from +23 in January to +2 in June.

These numbers do not support the partisan spin coming from either side of the aisle. In fact, a good description of the situation is the same as Scott Rasmussen noted in an analysis on the President’s 100th day in office: “Republicans and conservatives try to paint a portrait of declining support and weakness. Democrats and liberals see a president with unrivaled popularity and power. Both assessments are wrong.” "

And that's from Fox loving Scott Rasmussen

[TaxDayMan]

And since Rasmussen's 100 day analysis thing have gotten much worse for Obama and the county.

[maxfax]

It is clear Mr. Obama needs to stop listening and following the lead of Clinton holdovers.