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Jacob Heilbrunn

Jacob Heilbrunn

Posted: October 28, 2010 03:23 PM

The Plot Against Barack Obama

What's Your Reaction:

House Speaker John Boehner -- oops, I meant minority leader! -- simply stated the obvious today when he told Sean Hannity that he and other Republicans will "not compromise" with President Obama. Of course they won't. Their objective all along has been to destroy his presidency, and the next two years are going to make the first two look like they were playing tiddlywinks. Even an impeachment trial is not out of the question.

Darrell Issa, who would head the House oversight committee in the event of a Republican victory, has, as Ruth Marcus of the Washington Post recently noted, proclaimed that Obama's is the most corrupt administration in history. Meanwhile, Republican staffers from the Senate intelligence committee, as the Wall Street Journal reported, have already headed to Germany, France, and other countries to investigate the administration's handling of sending detainees from Guantanamo to host countries. It's an obvious fishing expedition to try and prove that Obama is recklessly soft on terror. Look for a lot more of the same in the next two years.

Obama, who entered office proclaiming comity with the GOP, never served in the House. Had he witnessed the actions of the House Republicans up close, he might have learned a few lessons up close and personal about their approach. Instead, Obama continues to insist that cooperation should be possible, no matter the outcome of the election.

Boehner says it isn't. And as Michael Tomasky has suggested in the New York Review of Books, Republicans may gear up to try and impeach Obama. Short of that, they will continue to attempt to destroy his presidency. But Obama will have to recognize that he faces a destructive opposition before he can begin to save his presidency.

 
 
 
 
 
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socialtalker
this micro-bio is a great idea!
06:35 PM on 10/31/2010
if the repcons try to impeach obama, it will have to be something that doesnt double back up on them, which is why clinton got impeach on something personal, if they dont have that personal flaw or obama or his wife(i am sure they are low enough to even attack his wife), then it will rather hard to impeach. thing is, obama is kind of stumbling along, anyway, its now clear he had no real vision or direction so impeaching him would be kind of silly on the part of the gop, however, the gop has shown they are very much into silly, so they just might do it.
i am not really worried too much about obama anymore anyway. he is a disappointment, both parties are great disappointments, completely under the thump or big lobbyists, until that is addressed, they wont be any real change.
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wheelingdad
02:53 PM on 10/31/2010
"The Plot Against Barack Obama,"...are you kidding.
The title of this article shows that the author is trying to fan the left into more anger against anyone that dare have a differing opinion than the White house.
Poor Obama. He had a democratic majority in the house and Senate.
But those awful republicans have spoiled his agenda.
The same public, middle America, independants, that voted him in, are now going to vote against his policies and left democrats on Tuesday.
The left says its because we are stupid or Obama just didn't explain things well enough.
We are not stupid and he explained things quite well. We just don't agree.
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Wallysmom
"I'm taking on stupid wherever it exists"
06:22 AM on 11/01/2010
You can disagree with the President but it doesn't rise to the level of impeachment. It's like throwing out everything in your refrigerator because the milk went bad. If Issa makes this intensely personal, which I believe for him it is, and if the Republicans move forward on actions against President Obama after preaching that their first concern should be the economy and "jobs, jobs, jobs", they will do damage to their party and the country, all for the sake of vendetta. It will cement another 2 years for this president.
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wheelingdad
07:46 PM on 11/01/2010
Don't beleive my comment mentioned the word,"impeachment."
Don't think anyone is serious about it.
I think its just a buzz word used by some on the right to annoy some of you on the left.
If I were the dems I would be worried about a real things like unemployment, debt, terrorism, and why they lost independants, moderates, and women voters since the last election.
09:11 PM on 10/30/2010
Rethugs try to impeach POTUS and that will be the match to light the firestorm. Be very afraid if they try that.
useyourbrain
Once I heard nothing
08:50 PM on 10/30/2010
From Day one of Obama's presidency the WH, DNC and all of Congress should have been touting the accomplishments of the Dems and the amazing first 100 days of the new administration. By not touting this, by not keeping the campaign mentality going, by letting the RNC give the media it's talking points, they lost the war before a single battle.

By any sense of logic and reason the Repubs and TBaggers should be laughed out of town or run out of town on a rail. I'm from the 60's and I remember the millions who marched against the war peaceably being told to 'love it or leave it'. Now you have people running for Congress calling for open warfare against progressives and not being called on the carpet for it.

The battles been lost. The US will be lucky to be a second rate power in the world with India, China and other countries taking over the lead in jobs, production and new businesses. All we can do is invade 10th rate countries with no Navy or Air Force to speak of and strut like big shots. I think our military is the only one in the world that has to hire overpaid mercenaries to protect it. Just when did the US military -- with the trillions thrown at it -- get to the point of needing security? And who was on the job when this was happening? GWB.
02:20 AM on 11/01/2010
Problem is, they can tout it all they want, but when people like Murdoch own Fox, and the republicans control CNN, ABC, NBC, and CBS, and most other outlets, you tell us how they can tout anything.

The ones that own the media, own the message. Period. It was either Gore or Clinton that spoke a few years ago about their fears that these mega-conglomerate media outlets would be the demise of our Democracy -- and they are. There is very little independent media anymore, and few journalist. Even on sites like this, most of the people writing have ties to corporate media.

We can put out all the press releases we want, and hold all the press conferences we want, but if the media won't cover it.. OR they attack everything (ala Fox "News") then it's pointless. we have to get the media back to the people,and get rid of these pundits and talking heads on all the networks who are mega-millionaires.
02:44 PM on 10/29/2010
So President Obama's the problem? "You can't handle the truth!"

USA, cold war and world war 2, present and former adversaries:

Soviet Russia: Awash in oil revenues and rising again.
Red China: Post Tiananmen Square, manipulating currency to crush us with trade debt
Japan: Helped to make us a debtor nation, while we finance their national defense
Saudi Arabia: Wahobist terrorist exporter. fleecing us because of oil addiction
Vietnam: Home of outsourced offshore manufacturing
Germany: Strongest economy in Europe while we still finance their national defense

USA: Exporting raw materials to make finished goods in China and elsewhere to sell here.
No wonder foreign governments and corporations are financing the "US Chamber" attack ads.

Working class America, they're just not that into you. Middle class america, who needs you? What about "multinational corporations" do you not understand? They don't need to care about your country. Why should your children go to good schools, breath clean air and drink clean water, and have safe food and medicines? Why should "the people" be allowed to pass laws regulating abuse and finance programs for quality of life. The pursuit of happiness?

Global businesses are promoting low taxes to de-fund the USA while investing to grow economies in communist and terrorist and totalitarian states like China and elsewhere abroad. No pesky human rights!

While they make money, we are here fighting over crumbs!

Freedom ain't free, America is the best country money can buy.

It's midnight in America, we had a good run.
01:23 PM on 10/29/2010
It's all about the color of the President Obama's skin color, pure and simple! President GWB, ran this country into the ground for 8 yrs, he left this country in the worst condition in our countries history! Where was the Tea Party & Rep protest then? Let's take it a step back! If the Tea Party & Rep claims were about about taxes, govt spending etc. Where were they during the Presidential Race with taxes too high, keep your hands gov hands off my social security! Why weren't they throwing their support behind one the eight Rep? They were content with the status quo! It never cross their mind that a black Senator from Chicago, with a name Barack Hussein Obama had a chance..In their minds he had a better chance at hitting the Mega, Lotto, Powerball jack pots simultaneously than becoming the President of THEIR COUNTRY. Republican's found it amusing, who's that, oh the community organizer...hahahaha! The Republicans thought, hmmm our only semi-challenge will be Senator Clinton. When the community Organizer won, oh GOD, the N....! is the President of OUR country. We have to get OUR COUNTRY BACK! How, I'll let Senator Mitch McConnel tell you;

In a interview with National Journal, The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.... Our single biggest political goal is to give our nominee for president the maximum opportunity to be successful."
dmac
I'll explain later.
03:15 PM on 10/29/2010
Mitch's subtext: we don't care about jobs as we're pushing the same tax breaks for the wealthy/business owners which not only did not create jobs but leaked 8 million of them during the Bush Administration. We don't care about the wars because our Haliburton and Blackwater buddies are getting fat there. We don't care about health care because we never have and our insurance (government paid) is just dandy, thank you. We don't care about earmarks because the voters don't really know what they mean anyway, even when they mean jobs. We are very, very happy to stagnate for two years, maybe even go back to the Shut Down Government trick and let all you older white TPers just do without your SS and Medicare for a while so that we can regain Power.

Got it? Now vote Republican.
02:44 PM on 11/01/2010
I am in agreement with you, but I am speaking Tea Party issues, they say they pay high enough taxes, the President lowered the taxes for the middle class, they're at it's lowest since 1950, keep his hands off medicade, which the very people they are supporting wants to privitize it, healthcare that would benefit them, the very same people they are supporting want to repeal it. They talk about their constitutional rights, the very same people they are supporting want to repeal civil rights, so deny other the same rights! So, you can say it's all political, but I will agree to disagree there concerns are purely political issues.
01:03 PM on 10/29/2010
Is this any different that what they did to Carter or Clinton (or JFK/LBJ for that matter)? It may be more extreme but it's the same old playbook. They have been a gravity well for the 'Joe McCarthys' among us.
And it works well for them so why should they stop?
01:57 PM on 10/29/2010
Well put. I don't think the administration was really ready for it, and they should have been. I think, given the opposition's intensity and willingness to lie, Obama's accomplishments (and, yes, I think there have been many) to date are kind of amazing.
05:43 PM on 10/29/2010
I think the administration was as ready as they could possibly be, but communicating a socially constructive message is a lot harder and more subtle than the socially destructive message that the right wing pushes.
05:24 PM on 10/29/2010
They were doing the same thing to FDR. The bogeyman and the scape goats have changed over time, but the tactics remain the same.
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mataylor16
You all want it one way. But, its the other way. -
11:57 AM on 10/29/2010
It is a remarkably high risk gamble for the GOP to try to impeach Obama. Think about this in the context of a prisoner's dilemma: Both parties voted to do things that are probably against the Geneva convention and could be defined as crimes against humanity leading to prosecutions by the Hague. Now, since they are both guilty, they know if neither one rats out the other, nobody goes to jail, however, if it becomes known that one party is trying to implicate the other, the Nash equilibrium is for both parties to implicate each other, exposing the whole lot of them for what they are. Might actually be a step forward at the end of the day.
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tweeksmom
Pppfffftttttttt.....
04:43 PM on 11/13/2010
But I don't get it...what is the "high crime or misdemeanor" Obama has committed?
11:49 AM on 10/29/2010
Regardless of your political view point, you should be able to realize that Obama needs little help in "destroying his presidency".
01:59 PM on 10/29/2010
Nonsense. Against all this unprincipled political opposition, his policies have turned the economy around (yes, that's true) and saved the auto industry, passed reasonable health care reform, among other things. So really, shut up.
04:01 PM on 10/29/2010
Excuse me...but the healthcare you refer to is not going to be reasonable...that's laughable! I guess when you see how deep they want in your pockets, you'll shut up. "Turned the economy around"??? lol...Unemployment's at an all-time 22%!!! So WHO exactly is going to pay for the "healthcare" you so gloriously endorse? Please...What does it take to get "the blind to see?"
11:52 AM on 11/02/2010
No, it's not true. He wasted billions of dollars on a stimulus that he keeps pretending to be effective, despite lack of evidence. He wasted 1/4 to 1/2 million dollars for each job he claimed to have 'saved' by the stimulus.

He had all the power in Congress. So why couldn't he get anything done, except digging our country into a huge hole and making it clear around the globe that we are a cowering 2nd rate power?
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wheelingdad
11:39 AM on 10/29/2010
This article is nothing but kool aid for those still too stubborn to realize that Obama was not qualified to be president and is now showing that he does not know how to govern.
He is the most divisive president ever. Trying to separate us along class, party , and racial lines.
We are supposed to hate corporations, bankers, big business, republicans, tea partiers, anybody who is rich, insurance companies...etc. If we disagree we are racists and witches.
Yet we are to embrace illegal immigrants, massive government programs, and anything that the White house proposes.

In typical Chicago style he does not tolerate dissent.
Why doesn't he have press conferences and answer questions.
No, he would rather lecture to us and appoint another czar to tell us what to do.
dmac
I'll explain later.
01:07 PM on 10/29/2010
You need to stop getting all your talking points from Fox News. Really.

With respect, who was ever "qualified" for the job of POTUS?

Most divisive? Obviously, you weren't alive during Lincoln's administration, but I think Civil War qualifies as the defintion of divisive. How about Johnson and Nixon, or weren't you aware then, either? (Gee, hyperbole is the greatest thing ever! And so meaningful!)

How has Obama divided anyone? What has he said, done, or what policy has he instituted that has "tried to separate us along class, party, or racial lines"? The same question for your nonsense about "hating" people or institutions. You've put those points out there, now back them up with facts.

Though I have a question for you: why are people on the right so fond of using the word "hate"?

Obama has done more to deport illegal immigrants than Bush did. Look it up.

Massive government --- like the Patriot Act?

Does not tolerate dissent????? Have you noticed the Republicans' behavior at all? He's tolerated way too much IMHO.

"Czar" was originally a Republican title. Czars don't make laws ("Tell us what to do". That would be the Legistlature.
09:18 PM on 10/30/2010
The main reason Obama "divided" the country was his skin color and how blind with rage it made the racists, They won't stop until they "put him back in his place"
01:34 PM on 10/29/2010
How does Republican Obstruction translate into President Obama not being qualified. How can 1 GOP Senator block 70 Obama appointee's? How can right wingnuts spew hatred and lies for 2 years and expect to get my vote? To the contrary Obama has tried to cultivate a spirit of bipartisanship. I have nothing but contempt for your assertion that the POTUS is trying to divide. All he has asked the so called rich to do is pay their fair share of taxes and stop hurting the average American in the name of profits.

If you disagree with the POTUS ... fine OK. Just TELL me what you would do. What services would you cut to decrease the size of government? Would you cut social security and Medicare and spite hard working Americans that have paid into for years? Would you continue to REWARD corporations for moving jobs overseas and finding every loophole possible to keep from paying taxes.

Would you put the profit of a Healthcare Insurance Company before the health and well being of a middle class US citizen?

NO person would declare they have a right to live in Beverly Hills, no one would believe they have a God given right to drive the most expensive cars at someone elses expense. But when it comes to LIFE I'll be damned if I want to "cheer" a society that would put profits and greed ahead of Human life and dignity.
02:27 AM on 11/01/2010
You mean like the republican in Oklahoma that is holding up ALL the aid to Haiti? Like that? They are mean-spirited bullies who made an agreement to derail the Presidency the minute he took the Oath. They planned this. Limbaugh gloated about it in 2009, and he said they HOPE we fail! They are willing to destroy America so that the giant corporations can make even more obscene profits.

Anyone who is unemployed is seriously clueless if they vote for the Corporate Party. The Party that gets their donations from the corporations that sent our jobs to India and China, to make bigger profits. These weren't union jobs, these were ordinary bread-winner jobs that republican donors (who got the fat tax cuts) sent overseas. Those jobs aren't coming back.. and voting for the republicans will only continue to reward them.
11:14 AM on 10/29/2010
The choice is simple: Either be a LEADER, work at bringing both parties together on things that we can both agree on, or work as a DIVIDER, and be met with complete and total resistance. That is probably what he will choose, and if thats the case, its hard to see how he is going to make enough progress to get reelected.

The President is extremely powerful. But he is still an elected official, elected by the people. Failure to heed the peoples wishes will cost him his job. And the people can change paths pretty quickly. Its only been two years, and he is poised to take historic losses in the house and senate.
02:31 AM on 11/01/2010
he can't bring the parties together because the republicans were playing obstructionist games from Day One. They have refused to cooperate on anything. Even the most simple things like aid to Haiti after the earthquake. Coburn in Oklahoma is holding up ALL the money we pledged to help them, because he's being a partisan jerk. They've held up CRUCIAL appointments in areas like homeland security, just to be obnoxious. They are willing to let America fail, and see even more people unemployed if it helps their mega rich friends. I cannot understand why people don't figure this out. The republicans care about money. Period. But not money for the middle class, money for their richest top 2%. When we're all working at burger king, and the jobs have all been sent to India, American voters will get a clue. They just keep voting against their own interests.... it's baffling.
08:47 AM on 11/01/2010
Not even close. If you paid attention you would know that Coburn wants to make sure the money we give actually gets distributed in a way to help the Haitians. Its not that he does not want them to get the money. A very limited amount of the massive influx of funds has actually made it to the island.

As for the unemployed and the rich, you show me how any of this wealth redistribution has helped anybody? Its never worked before, and its not working now. Unless the government is going to own all businesses, you better take it easy on the rich, cause they are the ones paying us and/or buying our services.
10:56 AM on 10/29/2010
Republicans CAN NOT Compromise.

Any compromise by Republicans will just mean growing government.

IF Federal spending is 25% of national GDP (which is is) then ANY compromise by Republicans will mean either that number increases to 26-7-8% -OR- massive increases in taxes.

The only way the Republicans can reduce the size of government is to fight Obama on his agenda every step of the way.
02:31 AM on 11/01/2010
Bush created the largest govt in history.
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onlyThis
How do you free a bird from an empty cage?
10:44 AM on 10/29/2010
The big difference is this - Democrats want to govern, Republicans want to rule.
01:59 PM on 10/29/2010
Well said, fanned.
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10:14 AM on 10/29/2010
What is the thesis here? That Obama is naive? Or remarkably compromised?
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Rosanneofpgh
some days youre the dog;others the hydrant
11:30 AM on 10/29/2010
I vote for naive. Although, how a professional politician can still be naive is quite a conundrum.
01:11 PM on 10/29/2010
I think the President articulated very early on that the "powers" that be in Washington and the entrenched and deep pocketed "special interest" groups would be a formidable opposition to real change and progress. The POTUS did not come into office with a sound economy; but much to the chagrin of conservatives; he has fought for the agenda the majority of the American people elected him to carry out. The MEDIA plays both sides of the fence...not to help educate the public..but to CREATE controversy and doubt...to what end you may ask. TO increase their REVENUE.


SWING VOTERS The REPUBLICAN party burned you...Don't be fooled again...Do your civic duty and vette not only the candidates but the "so called" information you receive from your chosen news outlet. The OBSTRUCTIONIST MINDSET, MIS-INFORMATION and DISRESPECT shown by conservatives over the last 2 years prohibits me from giving any of them a chance. CHANGE your TONE republicans and you may have a chance to be relevant again.

STAY the COURSE AMERICA. VOTE DEMOCRATIC.
09:13 AM on 11/01/2010
You seek, I purvey. Conservatives will celebrate Wednesday.

America is not in favor of government redistribution of wealth. They want a stronger middle class, no doubt, but not by direct government means (which is a fallacy anyway). They want policies in which American companies can do well, as well as the Americans working for them.
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den1953
The National Inquire of Politics the GOP!
10:02 AM on 10/29/2010
We Americans are told constantly over and over again President Obama isn't combatant well MR President i think it is time to finally take the gloves off go to your fellow Democrats and get Pissed OFF at the bullying Republicans you might just find out there true colors! They certainly have seen your reaction with some of there confrontations with this Administration and for the most part certain issues were handled calm with dignity, but sometimes it is time to take a stand and with two years left in this current term, i believe laying down the marker for the next two years is long over due!