President's last word to the opposition

[bigtree]

from this weekend's radio/video address: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/weekly-address-president-obama-pledges-rein-budget-deficits


PRESIDENT: . . .Now, it’s one thing to have an honest difference of opinion about something. I will always respect those who take a principled stand for what they believe, even if I disagree with them.

But what I won’t accept is changing positions because it’s good politics. What I won’t accept is opposition for opposition’s sake. We cannot have a serious discussion and take meaningful action to create jobs and control our deficits if politicians just do what’s necessary to win the next election instead of what’s best for the next generation.

I’m ready and eager to work with anyone who’s serious about solving the real problems facing our people and our country. I welcome anyone who comes to the table in good faith to help get our economy moving again and fulfill this country’s promise. That’s why we were elected in the first place. That’s what the American people expect and deserve. And that’s what we must deliver.


full address: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/weekly-address-president-obama-pledges-rein-budget-deficits

[Danascot]

1. Who is he talking to?

Certainly not the GOP. They have chosen the politics of "no" over the interests of the country and its citizens and it's working wonderfully for them.

[Spazito]

3. He is NOT speaking to the repubs, he is speaking to...

the American people, telling them that the repubs have been the "party of NO" and why that will not get the work done that the American people want them to do.

He is informing the American people that there is a BIG difference between genuine policy differences and political posturing and making the point the repubs are politically posturing instead of doing the job they were 'hired' by the public to do.

[Danascot]

4. Then its needs to be done much more loudly and more directly

While people like us loved it, we're in the tiny minority of those who are paying attention. It's getting almost no play in the MSN, and when it is mentioned, like in the NYTimes, the having-their-asses-handed-to-them aspect of it is completely missing:

Off Script, Obama and the G.O.P. Vent Politely

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/30/us/politics/30obama.html?hp

I strongly agree with you that the American public needs to have it spelled out to them that the GOP is posturing and being obstructionist for political gain but unless this was an opening salvo of a message that the dems will take up and hammer home in the coming months, nothing will get accomplished and the GOP will be able to pick up more seats in the midterms. Yesterday was deeply gratifying but unless it's sustained, it means nothing.

[Spazito]

5. I would say he is doing it directly and repeatedly...

it began, in earnest, in the SOTU address which millions of Americans watched, was continued in an even more direct way in his Q & A with the repubs yesterday and, now, he brings it again.

The OP title suggests this is his last word on the subject but there is no indication that is, indeed, the case.

In three days, the President used three different formats to make his point on contrasting genuine policy differences and political opportunism and how the repubs are choosing political opportunism over genuine policy debate, imo.

[bigtree]

7. It's fascinating how our perceptions of the president vary

. . . according to how much we're exposed to him.

These remarks at the end of his weekly address appear to be a qualifier on the president's remarks yesterday; the last word in that particular debate/discussion with the republican opposition.

[Spazito]

8. I saw nothing in his address that indicates it IS his last word in...

"that particular debate/discussion with the republican opposition" at all. It was, if anything, a clear indicator he will make his point regarding both the hypocrisy and the political posturing on this AND on other issues where their behavior has been thus:

"But what I won’t accept is changing positions because it’s good politics. What I won’t accept is opposition for opposition’s sake. We cannot have a serious discussion and take meaningful action to create jobs and control our deficits if politicians just do what’s necessary to win the next election instead of what’s best for the next generation.

I’m ready and eager to work with anyone who’s serious about solving the real problems facing our people and our country. I welcome anyone who comes to the table in good faith to help get our economy moving again and fulfill this country’s promise. That’s why we were elected in the first place. That’s what the American people expect and deserve. And that’s what we must deliver."

Maybe I am missing where he indicates this is his last word on this, if so could you please point it out?

[bigtree]

9. look

It's just a figure of speech of mine to emphasize the point the president was putting on the earlier discussion with his remarks in the address. Understand? Of course, you are correct that the discussion will be an ongoing one.

[Old Codger]

2. But

when they get to the table( I really doubt it) watch your back, don't drink anything they offer and remember if it sounds too good to be tru it probably is

[anonymous171]

6. Republicans don't want what is best for the next generation though

Come to think of it, neither do many democrats. Compromising on key issues can only hurt future generations.