The Bully Pulpit

[Ineeda]

First, I don't think President Obama has used the bully pulpit as often as he could or should have. But is it just me or has the bully pulpit of this specific president, when he does use it, been totally undermined by the current point-counterpoint trend? Even the SOTU had not one, but TWO counterpoint speeches this year. I don't remember this being done to any other president, where he gives a speech or presser and immediately after, with few exceptions, the opposition gets his turn or even multiple turns at the microphone. I mean, really, doesn't this dilute Executive authority? I especially think that this gives someone like Boner the opportunity to out and out lie, with no real recourse for the White House. If it's a debate, then have a damn debate, face to face. The rethugs -- each and every one -- would lose. And yes, I realize this the fault of the media, but maybe President Obama should, in that mocking style he has demonstrated all too infrequently, comment on it.

[vi5]

1. I agree it does dilute the speeches...

And that's largely the media's fault.

But he doesn't do any favors by making his own speeches essentially follow the "point/counterpoint", "both sides need to" approach.

[Vincardog]

2. Bingo . BO does us no favors by promoting the balance of our side giving everything and their side

DEMANDING MORE

[vi5]

3. That's what kills me....

..about the whole argument on here "Why don't you get mad at Bohner?!?! Why don't you get pissed off at the Repubs and the Tea Partiers?!?!?!"

Huh? The leader of our party and the country, and the one who is going to get the blame for this from everyone else in the country is not getting pissed at them (or more accurately probably not expressing his anger) but I'm supposed to?

He insists on saying that they want what's best for their country, or that they are negotiating in good faith or whatever other lines he wants to use, but then we're expected to get pissed? The fact is that even if we do and even if we act on it, when he gets on tv and does and says this stuff it undermines our efforts. Just the same way that the people who say "Well, work to elect better Democrats!!" but when we try to, he undermines our efforts by supporting the incumbent protection racket that favors the blue dogs and conservadems.

[Vincardog]

4. That is obviously because he works for the same corporations as them and not for us

Look at his cabinet

[Myrina]

5. +100

n/t

[global1]

6. So When Boehner Lies The WH Should Play Back His Lies One By One.......

and point out to the American People that they are lies and show why they are lies.

If no one does that - the lies that Boehner is spewing become facts and the media keeps playing those lying soundbites over and over and just perpetuates the lies.

Someone needs to refute the lies.