Obama Strategy Shocker: Calls For "Post Post Partisanship"

Senator Barack Obama, whose "politics of hope" has put him within reach of the presidency, announced a stunning new strategy for the final weeks of campaigning.

With a veto-proof majority within reach in the Senate, and a 100-plus margin possible in the House, party leaders are focusing on what one Democrat who insisted on anonymity called an "occupation strategy" after we "liberate" the Congress.

After a meeting with Sen. Harry Reid, Rep. Rahm Emanuel, Bill Clinton and Chris Matthews (sitting in for Tip O'Neill) Obama said, "Post partisanship has done its job. I won the nomination and we ran the lobbyists out of town on a rail. But now we need post-post-partisanship. Sure, I want to cooperate with Republicans -- after I beat the pants off them."

Added former President Clinton, "To quote Hillary, we have to deck 'em."

Obama said he wanted to pursue ambitious plans for health care reform, tax fairness, ending the war in Iraq and fighting global warming, and that crushing Democratic majorities would help. "If I don't have to compromise, why should I?" Obama said.

In a conference call with reporters, Obama strategist David Axelrod said there was nothing inconsistent with the campaign's stance of first being against partisan politics, and then being for it.

"The Republicans have shown themselves incapable of getting out of the gutter and there's no reason to expect they'll change anytime soon," Axelrod said. "I don't think anyone believed that once Barack got elected, the Republicans would give up their agenda and say, 'you know, we really ought to stop standing in the way of those nice liberal Democrats.'"

Asked for his reaction at a campaign rally in Berkeley, California, (which McCain strategist Steve Shmidt called part of his "Surprise and Confuse" strategy) Sen. McCain said, "William Ayers Osama bin Laden Reckless Inexperienced Liar Tax Tax Liberal Liberal."

He went on to say,

"Maverick maverick maverick maverick maverick."

Comments

[dc2nm]

It all makes sense. It will be hard for Democrats to reach across party lines when the other party is going through a group identity crisis. But I do believe some moderate Republicans will work across party lines....maybe even John McCain (in an attempt to restore his image?).

While I expect there will be ugly fights within congress in the next few years, the shift in power will help Republicans redefine themselves. I have often thought the original principals of the GOP (smaller government, less intrusion) is a good balance to the Democrats...it is the true check-and-balance government needs. But the negative Rovian politics of culture wars with the purpose of dividing the nation into "those that are not with us are against us" have been poison to America and luckily the downfall of the Repubs.

I hope they again find a positive message.

[Choicelady]

As one in the center of some federal level advocacy (from afar) I've been trying to figure out who among the Republicans would be worth courting. Came up with a scant handful, but ones in states Obama won who already are the true "mavericks" and always have been. It's not a good idea to throw the baby out with the bathwater, so let's hope strategists understand the 'good guys' in the Republican party (yo know, the ones you mostly never saw rooting for McC) and see what good can come from that - since if they prevail, they just might begin the revamping of the Republican party!

[62Tiger]

Good point Lady, on 'revamping the Republican party'; I agree with you. Seems the original Republican party wouldn't have sat ideally by with the inclusion of Church into the State of recent decades, which is so far removed from in the idealogy of the founding fathers of our country.

I hope, and believe he will, Obama will move towards the center as to better serve; 'by the people, for the people.'

I will be so proud to transition from saying President Elect Obama to President Obama.

[SharonAustinTX]

I recall Obama was asked in an interview once how he was going to get partisan politicians to cooperate (something like that). His answer was sweet and short: "SHAME THEM"

With his plan for transparent government, those who stand in the way of positive change for the American people will be exposed. Citizens of their home state will be made aware of their representative who is against progressive change to make their lives better. They will incur the rath of voters and swarmed with calls and letters of discontent. I can't wait for a government who is for the people, by the people as it was originally meant to be.

Obama has inspired us to take our country back. We are waiting for Obama's next instructions as to what we need to do to move this country forward. He has created a movement that will not be stopped, a mandate from the American people that will continue well past the election.

This is the first truly 21st Century American President. The internet has made it possible.

[CarmanK]

Republicans seem to operate on the illusion that they are the only ones "that know the way". They have not admitted to the errors of their economic and militrsary policies and therefore there is no incentive to change, not for them. They will not work across the aisle. I suspect they will spend the next 4 years fighting every reform that comes from President Obama. The shouting has only just begun. Look how childish they behaved during the "Economic rescue negotiations" with DEMS?
It is just a preview of what they will continue to do in the days and years ahead. They are the voice of business and special interests and they have lots of money to spread around.

[dcbill]

Post time!