Quote:
Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler
Killing OBL is not a policy decision requiring a vote in Congress.
Like it or not, the American system is designed for the President to drive policy, subject to the approval of the other branches. I find it disappointing that he has failed to do so. It would be nice if he stood for something, for good or ill.
|
Killing OBL is an example of leadership which you questioned.
So if I understand you, "for good or ill", he should pidgeon hole himself as a liberal--hell or highwater. He shouldn't be pragmatic and work with a center right polity but should instead be a liberal because he will stand for something.
He should have closed Guantanmo b/c that was an election promise to his liberal base when the facts on the ground were neither feasible nor practical after consulting with his generals and lawyers.
With the nation in a deep recession, he should have "visioned" a $2 or $3 trillion stimulus because that would have pleased his base even though a Democratic Congress swallowed hard to pass HIS <$1 trillion dollar stimulus.
He should stand for something by pulling a Clinton and advocate single payer even though it had no chance of passing in Congress and is treated skeptically by middle America.
RE the debt discussion, it would SEEM he vacillates but if the other party doesn't want to play and controls one of the tools to pass legislation then you get what you get which is gridlock. That is American democracy at its worse.
He is a breath of fresh air from the products of the 60s culture wars of Clinton and Bush. He actually gets things done around here within framework of divided gov't.
I don't think people understand how seminal a moment, the healthcare law is for this country and it really is a Tommy Douglas moment...USA style. And just how medicare started in Sask, people will attach the same to '10 law.
Slow progress and changing the trajectory of where this country is going.
I guess we have very different ways to measure leadership. It certainly isn't a zero sum game...at least to me.