The Obama Rope-A-Dope?

[kpete]

The Obama Rope-A-Dope?
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2009/02/the-obama-rope.html

Noam Scheiber speculates:

For weeks now, Obama has soared above the fray—inviting dour-looking Republicans to the White House for cookies and patiently hearing them out on Capitol Hill. Once again, the Republicans have exploited this stance, notching a series of tactical victories, like their unanimous no-vote in the House last week. And, once again, liberals have panicked. “Why in these desperate times does he seem to care so much about being liked by the side he defeated?” Tina Brown wondered.

But complaints like this miss what’s been accomplished these last few weeks: Obama has completely defined the stimulus narrative on his own terms. To the average voter, Obama has been earnest and conciliatory while the Republicans have been cynical, self-serving, and puerile. Which, if the past is any guide, is precisely the moment he’ll start playing hardball.

more at:
http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2009/02/10/obama-s-stimulus-rope-a-dope.aspx

[Taverner]

1. Yeah, I remember at first someone here suggested rope-a-dope

And it seems like it more and more

[Beetwasher]

3. I've Been Saying It All Along

It's his M.O. And the Repubs are too stupid and too entrenched in their hate to realize what's going on. Although honestly, their options are limited to either being obstructionist douchebags hoping Obama fails OR supporting him. Either way, they are doomed.

[Schema Thing]

7. My first clue:

[jwirr]

2. How quickly we forget that we didn't like his high-road politics in the

primary but it was the right way to go. He knows how to put them and their idiocy in the spotlight. In time they will be much more cautious about opposing him as their ratings tank and even their states start yelling at them. We already have the pug governors demanding action.

[liberal N proud]

4. The question is, will they learn

When the little boy plays with fire and burns his finger, he is more cautious next time he plays with fire. But is the GOP smart enough to figure it out?

[spanone]

5. killing them with kindness.....i think it's a good strategy...make them show their colors

[islandmkl]

6. this reference has come up several times...since the primaries, at least...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5669472

obama seems to have the rope-a-dope mastered....his opponents don't seem to realize the tactic, and they have all paid...