Barack Obama

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts) Tue Apr 30, 2013, 11:15 PM Apr 2013

I had an epiphany ... [View all]

during a discussion with Progressive friend that has been highly critical of President Obama using the same "arguments" I see here at DU ... &quot President) Obama has, and is misusing his, bully pulpit" ... &quot President) Obama just needs to channel FDR" ... &quot President) Obama just needs to grow a pair" ... &quot President) Obama has no (Democratic) principles that he is willing to fight for hard enough move the gop."

It gave him pause and I believe it'll stall the arguments here ... Well ... every argument coming from anyone with a modicum of intellectual honesty/self-awareness.

I asked my friend:

What amount of bully pulpit usage, or emotional/intellectual argument, or intellectual or even physical force from a republican, would cause you to turn your back on Medicare or SS or Medicaid or any other deeply held tradition?

Nothing ... right?

Then what makes you think that President Obama can use any of those tools on this extremist brand of gop ... All he can do cut the best deal out there, while attempting to flip enough moderate republicans; in order to govern this nation ... you know, that luxury that you do not have to worry about.

My friend opened his mouth to respond ... then, closed it in thought ... then, paid for lunch.

34 replies

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Highlight:

I had an epiphany ... [View all] 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2013 OP

You really have changed a lot of hearts and minds, sir. Thanks for using you wisdom this way. freshwest Apr 2013 #1

Well ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2013 #2

He sounds like a good friend to have. freshwest Apr 2013 #3

Lucky you, having a friend who is self-aware and intellectually honest. Cha Apr 2013 #6

Did you by any chance mean 'without' the burden of the job? IrishAyes May 2013 #17

Thanks for taking time to make that good comment. freshwest May 2013 #21

And I meant it with the greatest respect and affection, which are highly deserved. IrishAyes May 2013 #25

Yes! Thanks for catching my mistake after all this time, IrishAyes. Cha May 2013 #22

I respectfully disagree Warpy Apr 2013 #4

Yes ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2013 #7

You're totally correct in large, IrishAyes May 2013 #18

Believe me ... 1StrongBlackMan May 2013 #20

Perhaps it's because I don't represent a formally recognized/organized group of good lefties? IrishAyes May 2013 #23

How do you define "far left", truebluegreen May 2013 #27

I'm sorry you've missed so much fun. IrishAyes May 2013 #28

"Missed so much fun"? truebluegreen May 2013 #30

Just because you don't understand something doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't 'track' IrishAyes May 2013 #31

The only thing that doesn't track is your reference to "fun". truebluegreen May 2013 #32

After a hairy week IrishAyes May 2013 #33

Are we a little sensitive, or something? truebluegreen May 2013 #34

Not sure it's relevant when there's a lot more flipping happening in the blue camp. TheMadMonk Apr 2013 #5

Stop with the "failed negotiator" madness ... 1StrongBlackMan May 2013 #8

Your idea of progressive/lefty in the US, qualifies as roughly centre,... TheMadMonk May 2013 #13

You've already been asked nicely to take your comments to Cha May 2013 #14

I posted it nicely. sheshe2 May 2013 #15

We need a 'Kicked to the Curb' smilie with the character in this position < IrishAyes May 2013 #24

Good one, IrishAyes! sheshe2 May 2013 #26

May I remind you, sheshe2 May 2013 #10

THANKS, Man! elleng May 2013 #9

One down~ sheshe2 May 2013 #11

interesting but I simly have never had any friend in grantcart May 2013 #12

This message was self-deleted by its author quakerboy May 2013 #16

Good riddance to the troll invasion. Thanks to all who rapped their knuckles good. IrishAyes May 2013 #19

Good work on your part! LeftInTX May 2013 #29