Why doesn't Obama talk about

[neverforget]

unemployment, creating jobs, infrastructure, etc. instead of deficit and debt? It didn't have to be this way with the austerity talk. There is such a thing as bully pulpit. Obama can ask and not get anything from the Congress (we're talking popular stuff I already stated) and campaign against the "Do Nothing Congress". His ideas would be far more popular than Republicans to grow the economy. Instead, the Republicans have the initiative while he has bought the whole "sky is falling, debt is our doom" talk from the Republicans. We are going to pay for this big time. And the thing is, it didn't have to be this way. The time for deficit reduction is when the economy is growing and not when there is sluggish growth and 9.1% unemployment. It's just going to exacerbate the problem even more.

We all know the Republicans want Obama out. If they could impeach they would. Why is he playing their game? It's fucking stupid! He's the President of the United States. When he talks, people listen. He can campaign against this austerity bullshit if he wants too. Instead, he's bought into it. While his positions are not as extreme as the Republicans, they will be damaging to the American people nonetheless because he bought into it. And that is his doom. He needs to get this country on it's feet again but the Republicans won't help. Campaign against that instead of "Austerity, just not as bad as Republicans."

Enough with the austerity talk! Play some hard core politics with the radical Republicans! Campaign against the "Do Nothing" Congress! It's not like the Republicans are loved in this country and they certainly provide plenty of ammunition to campaign against with radical ideas and die-hard defense of all things wealthy.

[markpkessinger]

1. K&R!

Why, indeed? (And I see the "unreccing crew" is right on top of this!)

[QC]

2. The Republicans set the agenda, and they want to talk about deficits.

No matter who wins the elections, the Republicans set the agenda. That sucks, but there we are.

[markpkessinger]

3. The President and the Democratic Party can set the agenda if they choose to...

...The question is, why don't they?

[QC]

14. That's the big question, isn't it?

Answer that and we have the key to a lot of seemingly bizarre behavior.

[ClassWarrior]

4. Just give up, loser Dems, right?

:eyes:

NGU.

[QC]

13. No, that's not what I said.

Why does the White House sit idly by and let them set the agenda? And why does the White House accept the Republican framing on just about every issue?

[ClassWarrior]

15. My bad. I must have misunderstood you.

NGU.

[QC]

19. It's no problem. I was too ambiguous, I fear.

It's frustrating, isn't it, seeing the losers set the agenda, year after year after year?

[neverforget]

16. Bingo!

[RaleighNCDUer]

17. I think the OP's point is, they already did. nt

[somone]

5. Because deficits became our #1 crisis after he extended tax cuts for the rich

right on cue

[neverforget]

9. I agree 100% and I was arguing that last year when that awful plan

was passed.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

6. I AGREE. He's beginning to sound like exactly like the Republican cretin. nt

[Divine Discontent]

7. I give you a rec for your sentiment! Question is, most think he's brilliant, so wouldn't he

politically know to do these things if he knew that it was a much better way to be going, already? I would think so. The question becomes why does he NOT do those things despite being smart enough to figure these things out, because what you state is right on.

[Tx4obama]

8. President Obama has been talking about a lot of things.

Perhaps you just haven't been seeing all the things he has been talking about.

http://www.youtube.com/user/whitehouse

[neverforget]

10. He's accepted the Republican frame. That is the problem.

[RaleighNCDUer]

18. Talking ain't doing. nt

[Nevernose]

11. Weekly press conferences

Like every other president -- at least before Bush. His lack of meaningful contact with the press is a serious hindrance. Giving speeches and the occasional sit down interview is not "the bully pulpit." Going out to the Rose garden for ten minutes a day is.

[ClassWarrior]

12. Great point. He's been a teacher. Why doesn't he teach? Daily?

NGU.

[TomCADem]

20. He Does Talk About Creating Jobs, Infrastructure Constantly - "Investment"

It is a lie to suggest otherwise. Indeed, Republicans constantly attack his constant discussion about the need to "invest" as just another code word for taxing and spending.

As for the "do nothing Congress," you do remember Marc Ambider calling President Obama a dick for daring to compare Congress with his daughters who don't wait until the night before. President Obama's comments were stinging enough to have the pundits dropping profanity on the air, and David Gergen attacking him for being too partisan.

Still, lets attack Democrats and Give Republicans and the Corporate Media a free pass.

[neverforget]

21. I am not attacking the President. What I am saying is that he doesn't

have to accept the Republican framing on this issue. HE can set the agenda. HE can talk about something other than austerity.

[ClassWarrior]

22. Exactly. It's not that he's silent. He isn't taking command of the discussion.

He isn't using the discussion to reinforce Democratic values.

NGU.

[neverforget]

23. isn't that the truth. some economic populism would go a long ways now

that another bad jobs report came out today.

[neverforget]

24. Kicking for the Friday crowd

[alp227]

25. he has talked about jobs but not aggressively enough n/t