Obama would be perceived to be strong to respect the vote

[Harmony Blue]

of Congress regarding Syria by the American public and abroad. I don't buy the narrative that the media is peddling that it would make Obama look weak. We are a Democratic Republic and what better way to show the world? That is the strength of the people and not a single man. We delegate our power to President Obama on our behalf but we do not do so freely and without question. And we have checks and balances as well which is multi layered.

If Obama respects our values and what we cherish that is strength. And we would owe him our deepest gratitude if that is what he chose to do by respecting the vote of Congress.

[gopiscrap]

1. I agree and I have the feeling if the House votes no and he goes in

they will impeach him.

[pscot]

2. That's more likely if he goes ahead

after the House votes.

[gopiscrap]

3. yeah that's what I meant

[madrchsod]

4. i have thought the same thing since this has started

in fact i posted my thoughts about the house and senate vote tonight

[NuclearDem]

5. I can't believe we're at this point

The point where we would have to be thrilled that an elected official would respect the will of the people and rule of law.

[Tx4obama]

6. I voted for Obama for president for HIM to use HIS judgement in making the 'hard decisions'

... NOT for him to take a poll and go with the popular opinion of the pubic - especially since the there is a huge number of Americans that do not even know the vice-president of the United States!

[NuclearDem]

7. Well, at least your honest with what you think of democracy.

Because we're all too fucking stupid to know what we want when it comes to war.

So, what, did you vote out the guy who said "fuck public opinion, I'm going to do what I want" in favor of another guy who's leaning towards "fuck public opinion, I'm going to do what I want"?

[JRLeft]

8. Some people on the left are sheep just like the teabaggers are sheep.

[noise]

9. Our priorities are right

We all agree the prestige of the Presidency is more important than those at the receiving end of cruise missiles. Maybe everyone will make jokes at the next WH Correspondents Dinner.

[markpkessinger]

10. Agreed . . .

This whole notion that a defeat on his proposal from Congress somehow weakens him is absurd. Virtually EVERY president, at some point in his or her presidency, experiences a Congressional defeat of something he or she strongly believed in and pushed for. What does make him look weak, I think, is his continued beating of a dead horse. The American people have heard his argument; they understand his argument; but it appears most simply disagree with his conclusions as to what the appropriate response should be. If he accepts that graciously, the political damage will be minimal. But continuing to speechify in favor of his proposed course of actions something people will find at first annoying, then downright obnoxious. And then they'll be even more pissed off. At that point he will look weak -- not to mention desperate.

I know the President's a very competitive guy, that he likes to WIN. But this is one situation where he needs to set his ego aside and accept a loss.