Velma Hart: President Obama "the man for the job"

[ProSense]

Everyone is trying to exploit the exchange between the President and Velma Hart, CFO of AMVETS, except she was thrilled with his answer and strongly supports the President. Watch the video at the here (awesome stuff).

<...>

Hart is on the cover of Tuesday's New York Post with the headline “Betrayed.” The article described Hart is a “plucky Obama supporter.”

Hart said the Post headline is a false depiction of how she feels about Obama’s presidency. She added that she would vote for Obama again.

“I knew I was there (on the front page), but I didn’t realize I was there with that horrible word,” she added. “I have not felt betrayed.”

link

[joeybee12]

1. Good for her...and maybe this will stop all these "she was a plant" threads...n/t

[impik]

Not a plant, just shamelessly and sadly manipulated

[vaberella]

7. Are you listening to these pundits?! Are you listening to them?!

Oh my fuckin' God. Those idiots are animals.

[laughingliberal]

24. This is nuts! How is her noticing things are getting tighter financially in her life and wondering..

if this is their 'new normal' an indication she is being manipulated? I don't know anyone whose not having more difficulty maintaining their standards of living at best and I know many who have already fallen off the ledge.

The funny thing about all this is that the President 'gets' that. His 'supporters' here seem to think mentioning that is akin to blasphemy.

[bluestateguy]

2. I think she was like many at DU

A disappointed supporter who genuinely wants to help the president and America succeed.

[ProSense]

3. Watch the video

She has nothing but praise for the President.

[vaberella]

8. She wasn't disappointed...she was concerned. You need to set that straight.

On DU they might be disappointed. But she was not.

[Enrique]

4. some people thought she was a GOP plant

I never thought that. She sounded like someone who truly believes in Obama.

[vaberella]

6. Nah...I saw a GOP plant. I've seen that a lot.

You might not have had to deal with this in the past. But I know for a fact..in the Black community that is very common. And she was really up that alley.

[Tarheel_Dem]

16. +10,000

It's good enough for some that a black person if criticizing Obama, as if that black person represents black thought. They jumped all over this. I'm sorry, but I still don't believe her, and I think she got exactly what she wanted...."National Exposure". Bet on it.

[vaberella]

25. That's very possible. n/t

[vaberella]

5. Those pundits are ASSHOLES!! Did you see what that white guy said!? He wants to hurt Obama.

These people are really trying to destroy the man. Oh my God. Her response was really nice put together. She moved up in my feelings.

[laughingliberal]

26. Finally! I can only be happy she, likely, doesn't read DU. Some of the shit I've seen people here...

vomiting on this woman would be enough to make anyone reevaluate their loyalties.

[vaberella]

28. No man...I don't trust her---however the pundits are dickwads. n/t

[laughingliberal]

34. Really? Pundits are dickweeds? I'm shocked, I tell you.

I have seen her interviewed by Matthews and his attempts to get her to criticize Obama failed. She was clear she likes the President, has faith he and our leaders can bring us through these rough times, and she will vote for him, again.

The paranoia around here is weird.

[vaberella]

37. Possibly to you. In the Black community it's all too common. n/t

[Bluenorthwest]

9. Well I just read a thread that called her every name in the book

and called some of the finest posters here idiots for not joining in. The tactics are so awful.

[laughingliberal]

10. "She added that she would vote for Obama again."

Yes, and I saw her on Hardball where she had a lot of good to say about the President. She stated she still has a lot of faith in him.

Yet, I see some of the vilest attacks on her here today. I guess anything short of a deep enough genuflection to the President puts her under the bus as a 'hater.'

[ProSense]

11. Both

the exploitation of her comments and the attacks on her are disgraceful.

[laughingliberal]

12. Perhaps. But the only place I saw the word, 'skank' used was on a post attacking this lady. nt

[ProSense]

13. But it wasn't

in this thread so why emphasize that here?

[laughingliberal]

14. Just an indication of the vitriol people are shown for failing to genuflect sufficiently.

It is time for people doing this to realize they aren't winning any hearts and minds for the President. A woman who had nothing but nice things to say about President Obama asks one question based on real worries about the future of her family and she has been demonized all over this board.

[Tarheel_Dem]

19. You're talking about me. And I'll continue to demonize this woman,

until the other shoe drops on her. I know your history here, and you seem to think that proper reverence should only be paid to Obama's critics, whether earned or not. It's funny that you, of all people, would choose to use the word "demonization". You know from "demonization".

No one here should have to "win hearts & minds" of Democrats. This is, afterall, Democratic Underground? I don't feel it's my job to win you over. You're either a Democrat, or you aren't, and that's fine. But a victim, you defintely are not, and neither is Velma. Hopefully, she took her big girl pills, because she's absolutely going to hear from people who support this president.

[laughingliberal]

21. I don't see support or lack of support for an elected official as an issue for reverance.

I don't need winning over. I voted for the President and, if still alive, will likely do so, again.

It does not mean I don't think he needs to change direction on his economic policies. And I will continue to do what little I can to help him see the need for that.

My criticism has always been about policy and it is not personal to one politician or another. I do not 'demonize' the President. I have stated my objection to some of his economic policies and his apparent lack of political will to fight a little harder for policies that benefit us 'lesser people.'

Velma Hart has also stated she intends to vote for President Obama again but she, also, is guilty of the sin of questioning the President.

[Tarheel_Dem]

29. "I'm exhausted defending you". That was not a question. It was snark.

The same snark that's all too common at DU. If she had left out the gratuitous commentary, I wouldn't have had a problem with her questions. However, she chose to address the president disrespectfully, IMHO.

Fortunately, the president is much more diplomatic & patient than I, cause I would have told her where to get off, consequences be damned. :shrug:

And mere "criticism of policies" is a slight mischaracterization, a quick search will prove that. You seem to have a personal problem with the president, and damned near every post just oozes with contempt for him & anyone who supports him. Mind you, I don't mind being the object of your contempt, 'cause I don't know you from Adam, and you don't pay my bills. So snark away!!!!!!

[laughingliberal]

38. Sorry. My crticism has always been about the policies.

Specfically, his lack of fight for the Public Option and his fight to make sure we kept the excise tax on workers' benefits in the HCR bill and the economic policies that have continued to be based on supply side models when I believe it is time to shift to demand side economics in a big way. I am, also, unhappy with his creation of the deficit commission and the fact that, although he has committed to fighting privatization of SS, he has not gone on record as being opposed to benefit cuts.

You can see it as snark all you want. I am of the opinion that anything less than adoration and unfailing devotion is 'snark' in the eyes of some here.

I saw the President's reaction to Ms. Hart as being one of recognition. The President, I'm sure, is well aware we are out here among the fucking Fox nation crowd every day. When he smiled at that statement, I thought it was an indication he knew exactly what she meant. I live in a red part of a purple state and the relentless, insane shit that's thrown up here all the time is exhausting. And, all the more exhausting when the President capitulates to the right on many policies I feel he needed to stand firm on. For instance, I'd like to be able to tell a RW person in my age group they should be grateful we have a President who is going to fight to make sure they can still retire at 67 with their full SS benefit. But, I can't say that because he hasn't committed to it. It would be nice if he'd give us the ammunition we need to fight the RW juggernaut. Instead, he stands up and says, of the right, that they have a lot of good ideas. It is frustrating, yes.

[Tarheel_Dem]

40. Right back atcha!

"I am of the opinion that anything less than adoration and unfailing devotion is 'snark' in the eyes of some here."

And for others, no depths are too deep, as long as it places the administration in a bad light. Nothing is ever good enough. If people didn't know better, one would think this president ran to the left of Dennis Kucinich. Luckily, I know better. :hi:

[laughingliberal]

41. There are plenty of things the President has done that are good enough.

I posted my approval when he, several months ago, told Congress that now is not the time to cut spending. I saw it as a good change in the direction as I believe focusing on deficit reduction, at this point, is very ill timed in an economic crisis of this nature. Here's one place I highlighted this positive change in direction here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=8552815

Here's another thread where I was applauding the 'fighter' coming out in him:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=8420179#8420852

I do appreciate it when I find opportunities to support the President and when I see evidence he might move in a more populist direction. I have been happy with the populist note he's been striking on the campaign trail and happy to hear him say the Republican's economic policies drove us in a ditch.

I don't think he ran to the left of Dennis Kucinic. Neither did I see him run as a supply sider but I have seen evidence his economic team has been on that track. I'm always happy when I see a little movement off that track.

[CTLawGuy]

47. I agree,

not something a "supporter" would say. Someone who was truly a supporter would understand the real hurdle to progress: the republican minority and a few conservative democrats in the dysfunctional US senate, and would understand that Obama is doing the best he can under the circumstances, ie unprecedented minority party obstruction.

Heaven forbid that the Republicans are rewarded for their obstructive tactics with majorities in either the House or the Senate!

[Tarheel_Dem]

48. Defintely not a supporter. I vote for RNC plant, or PUMA. Take your pick.

I'm not sure why she feels it incumbent upon herself to defend the president. She's not a member of his cabinet, and she's not his publicist. A real "supporter" wouldn't have fed the 24/7 media beast, with such a caustic remark as "I'm exhausted defending you". To whom? :shrug:

The woman is obviously an idiot, and doesn't have a clue of the legislative process. I think she knew exactly what she was doing, and I still say she's a plant, much like Alvin Greene.

[Tarheel_Dem]

15. The Post? Who could have imagined?

:rofl:

[Phx_Dem]

17. She's the one who said she was "exhausted from defending you and deeply disappointed."

How did she think that would be perceived?

But she failed to say why she was disappointed other than "no change," whatever the fuck that means. She seems like a smart, well-educated woman. Maybe she should inform herself about what Obama has done is two short years.

[vaberella]

27. Looking back, she was definitely put to stir up trouble. n/t

[Phx_Dem]

31. Right. There was absolutely no ambivalence in her comments.

Now she's shocked?! Well, guess what lady. I'm shocked that you're shocked.

[AlinPA]

33. I agree. See my post #17.

[FrenchieCat]

18. "They'll" take advantage of any situation for their own ends, period.

When the national media concentrates more on the question and leaves out the answer,
you know something's up....regardless of the questionner's and the questionnee's
intents or motives.

after all is said and done, it still only means that we have 40 days left till election day,
and not anymore.

[laughingliberal]

20. I thought the President handled the question just fine. I've been shocked at the insults &

hatred people have been vomiting on this woman on DU, today. Apparently, the level of devotion now required to be considered a supporter has been significantly ratcheted up.

[FrenchieCat]

22. Americans will hold opinions about a lot of things,

some right and some wrong.....

and yet the fact still remains; there is an election in 40 days,
and we all need to be focusing like one huge laserbeam on retaining a majority,
so that we will have something to continue debating about after November,
rather than being forced to unite because the Republicans will have regained power,
and be up to their same ass insanity that will not benefit not even one of us....
not our kids, not our bank accounts, not our future, not our environment,
not women, not minorities, not our health, not any peace effort...nada, null set, rien,
not one damn thing.

That's where I'm coming from.

[laughingliberal]

23. I'm focused on our majorities, as well.

In particular, I'm worried about Reid as he is my Senator and his opponent is a vile, bat-shit crazy teabagger.

Next, I don't want to see the House, espeicially, fall as they have been working and getting good progressive legislation passed despite the obstruction of the Republicans and the Blue Dogs and New Democrats.

[FrenchieCat]

30. I'm gonna work on it Saturday.....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=141x38084

[laughingliberal]

36. Cool. nt

[AlinPA]

32. I watched the exchange on CNBC live. She definitely spoke in a tone and used words that

could immediately be interpreted as her making a case for having been betrayed. Now, the media is playing it that way, of course because it is a bit of Obama bashing. We are not going to get her true feelings in this media, no matter how hard she tries now. She is to blame for the perception.

[laughingliberal]

35. I saw her on Hardball, yesterday. I saw no ambivalence in her support for the President,

no matter how much he tried to elicit some criticism.

[Inuca]

39. Saw that too

and noticed how she insisted at the end to make clear that she is still very much a supporter with no ambivalence whatsoever.

[AlinPA]

42. I agree with her presentations now, but I'm talking about her standup at the CNBC conference.

[vaberella]

43. These people don't seem to understand how deep many people will go to perform an act.

And some are better than others. No matter what, she has not---in all her interviews---managed to erase the ultimate stain she produced. What we have seen is that she's given more and more air time to continue her statements while having the punditry be as loud as possible and saying as much as possible and using her as their go to person. I await her presence on Fox News, because they will eventually interview her and I also await her responses there---because I have seen Elisabeth Hasselback walk back on many of her words until Fox News gave her the platform to spew.

[scentopine]

45. Sorry - LL, I meant to make this a reply to OP

but was reading your post when I replied, still trying to figure out this internet thing :-)

Reposted below...

[Phx_Dem]

50. She certainly was singing a different tune at the Town Hall.

She reems him during the Town Hall and then goes on TV to say how much she supports him? Her tone wasn't one of, "Mr. President, I know you're trying but I'm just not feeling it." It was more like, "I'm sick of defending you. You haven't done a damn thing."

Whatever lady.

[Phx_Dem]

49. Bingo.

[Number23]

44. Rec'd Thanks, Pro!

[scentopine]

46. Should democrats plant someone in the audience to throw

fluff ball questions to the president? Maybe form a fake news agency and put them in the press corp?

Maybe democrats should ban all questions from the public? Or at least the intellectual public who have hard questions and real concerns?

Should democratic handlers check bumper stickers and tee shirts on people who attend public or private events with the president and arrest people who seem disloyal?

Should the president only give speeches from military bases where discipline can be enforced?

Sound familiar?

I will argue passionately that Obama was handed a gift from god in this admirable woman. Only a bunch of knucklehead PR idiots would screw this up. There is every opportunity for the president to leverage the LEGITIMATE concerns of a strong supporter (and moderate democrat) into a PR bonanza.

Use it to attack the republicans. Have a beer summit (or is that something only reserved for right wingers who harass black people), I don't know, but if I think about it for another 10 minutes I'd have 20 or 30 way to turn this into a massive win for democrats.

The republicans are probably laughing their asses off at the incompetence of the dem PR team. Opportunity happens in a flash and it disappears just as fast. As Daily Show would put it - How Will Democrats Fuck This Up. You can come to this thread for clues. Hell they turned a one time witch who says condoms don't work and campaigned against masturbation into a viable senate candidate. Those guys are the real fucking shit!

Hmmm, maybe the "loyalists" are busy defending that asshole from citibank whose going to take over OMB.

But, a real person who is watching their quality of life slowly disintegrate with no end in sight? How dare she! Obviously a republican trick.

I would suggest to everyone who thinks they are "helping" by slagging off on this women (who I'd hire in a second as a sharp dynamic and brave thinker). you just might want to take a look at the collection of wall street insider freaks surrounding Obama EVERY DAY who are quietly planting the seeds of our destruction.

I _could_ argue that people slagging off on this woman are trying to distract us from this fact. But I won't. The criticisms of her are simply not well thought out enough to support this and I guess we can be thankful for that.

In the end, the squandered opportunity is too bad for us all.