Comments on The 7-10: Palmer on Politics: The Chicago Olympics and Health Care

Hi - I think BHO remains quite popular and the R ...

2009-10-14T09:53:27.781-04:00

Hi -

I think BHO remains quite popular and the R blanket opposition has not helped the Rs.

What hurts the Ds, as the party in power, is the jobs situation. If it turns around, Ds sweep. if not, they lose.

His attempts to reach out are notable and when the Rs claim BHO is polarizing Indies like me see their disconnect. He should always be seen as reaching out. Occasionally, it will bring results. Always, it gives him the high ground.

If President Obama doesn't get it by now that half...

2009-10-12T03:20:49.762-04:00

If President Obama doesn't get it by now that half measures are dangerous and there will be no — zero, nada — bipartisan cooperation on any meaningful policy or program initiatives from Republicans, he's much less smart than I've given him credit for being.

Republicans have made it clear that Obama is not just the opposition, he's the enemy. They're all about doing anything they can to drive up his negatives and shake public confidence in him and in everything he's trying to do. They see any success he achieves as a setback for their future election prospects. Probably for their fund-raising prospects as well.

Furthermore, Republicans know their base. It's made up of people who need regular feedings of red meat, of jeers and smears. The last thing those people want to see is Republican politicians meeting Obama halfway or praising things like his attempt to get the Olympics for Chicago, or more recently his Nobel Peace Prize. (Sen. McCain being the exception, although he couched his congratulations in terms of it being an honor for America.)

"opposition for the sake of opposition" is the key...

2009-10-02T16:36:05.588-04:00

"opposition for the sake of opposition" is the key point here. That is pervading every criticism that the right has uttered since Obama was elected.