From the left we are so used to disappointment that we almost need it, but let’s not indulge in sheer masochism. Politics isn’t always about the bottom line, and for me, President Obama’s invisible victories are immensely heartening. He has cleansed the Presidency, reinstated America’s status in the world, championed ideals on every front, and spoken truth to power, whether that means calling both the Israelis and Muslims to account or facing down racism in this country.
We cannot shortchange the shift in consciousness that Obama’s election stands for and that his Presidency continues to inspire in millions of people. For the first time in American history, more than a quarter of the electorate in 2008 was non-white. For Hispanics and blacks, who are grossly underrepresented in state and national legislatures, there’s been a psychological turning point. For the first time, they can say "He’s my President" in the same way the white majority takes for granted.
The left isn’t famous for ideological compromise, and if Obama followed that example, he would be awash in failure. Instead, he has steered through Congress more stimulus for education than Bill Clinton managed in eight years. He has revamped the bailout to make it more democratic. I find myself agreeing with the Rev. Al Sharpton, who said on one of the Sunday news shows that Pres. Obama may not walk on water, but he’s turned into the best swimmer in politics. If his ambitions for healthcare reform turn out to come anywhere near his stated goals, that will prove the point beyond a doubt.
Finally, the left is forever caught between a sense of vaunted moral righteousness and the reality that such an attitude will never win votes or pass legislation. FDR, JFK, and Bill Clinton are considerable heroes to realists and grave disappointments to arch idealists. I’m glad that idealism exists and keeps the pressure on Obama, as Hans Morgenthau did on FDR and Adlai Stevenson on JFK (there were many others, of course). Yet does he really need prompting on this front? I can’t imagine a President with a clearer moral sense, a higher standard of policy, or a broader perspective about the direction of the country’s future.
So let’s settle back and enjoy the fruits of the most idealistic election since 1932, or if you prefer, 1960. A dose of calm and a little perspective are the right prescription, even if the anxious neurosis of being a leftist is incurable.
Thank you Deepak. While many still sit around debating whether he is deservant of a nobel peace prize, you cut through and speak the unspoken. It is undenyable. If you get a chance to repeat this loudly on Larry King, please do so. It can lessen alot of the trashing around taking place, as America continues to scrutinze every moment of their first black president. We need perspective and one that fits a President with inexaustable courage. Thanks again for this.
Namaste.
to mimic baby d from the old IB…."whoahahahaha!!"
Deepak….you so funny!! We have an imbecilic moron in the white house! Face down racism? are you out of your mind? He has revived racism!
Cleansed the presidency? what the hell does that mean? As presidents go, he's an empty suit! A polyester double knit empty suit! they guy can't make a decision, he has a skin as thin as paper, he has an ego the size of new york….he will be remembered in history as the only modern president to be a greater failure than Jimmy Carter…..
In short…enjoy the next 3 years….'cause he'll be gone, in November 2012!!
Was getting worried about you…..but youcame thru with this one!! Hope and change!! yeah right!!
by the way…..i don't care if he's black, white, brown, purple or green…..race in no way influence's my opinion of the man and the job he is…..or in this case….isn't doing…..
Hey Norm, I took a couple puffs on a Cuban Cigar, did you at least read a couple of pages of
If anyone wonders why the "Grand Old Party" is in such disarray this thread should help to solve that problem.
Hello Deepak
You write, "He has cleansed the Presidency, reinstated America's status in the world, championed ideals on every front, and spoken truth to power, whether that means calling both the Israelis and Muslims to account or facing down racism in this country."
I think you are seeing what you want to see, just as the fans of a President George W. Bush see what they want to see.
Cleaning the Presidency, well that was an easy one, anyone who wasn't connected to the Bush/Cheney White House or political "bedroom" set would automatically have accomplished the cleansing of their politcal dirt and grime, but to say his is the most "idealistic election since 1932 or l960 is like saying that his is the most "feel good" election since then, so what, really.
I have not seen President Barak Obama do one thing that would say he has brought real change to Washington or the United States of America. In order for him to do that, and, that, is what Americans most need in this time,, and at this point in our history, it would call for absolute courageous leadership in the face of political partisan nit-pickings.
President Barak Obama is a more than welcome change in our Presidency for many reasons. I think one of the most touching reasons is the fact that his wife, First Lady, Michele's family history can be traced back to the slave owenership days. Her family history speaks pointedly to the this Nation's "American Dream" as being "alive and well," still, in this Nation, from slave history to the White House. This fact is more than "awesome" it is a simple consequence of the miracle "hard work and integrity" of an American family in their quest to live the Americn dream.
It is almost "as if" President Barak Obama is the President that accompanied First Lady Michele' Obama's Family to the White House where through their "integrity, loyality, hard work" as citizens of this Nation is their rightful place.
President Barak Obama has his work cut out for him, for sure, he has yet to fill his promise of bringing "real and substantial change" to this Nation and Washington but the most import promise of change has already been accomplished, their presece, in this Nation's White House, and the color of their skin is a very important aspect of that accomplishment, just ask any slave.
Racism never passed away, so, of course, having a Black Family in the White House is going to stir it from the bottom of the America's pot, still, all in all, President Barak Obama has handled it well and kept the pot from boiling over in many instances.
You have to excuse Norm, his idea of someone who is not an "imbecilic moran" is President George Bush and his Vice-Presdent Dick Cheney, really, it brings a chuckle, when reading his "twisted logic."
Moron – a person of subnormal intelligence.
Most world leaders have their moronic moments but this guy takes the cake!
By way of Insane Delusion concerning his projected perceived bogus
Hi Deepak,
I am happy that America has finally changed its