Clueless: Obama Thought He Won Debate Until Told Otherwise
According to an article in the Daily Mail UK, President Obama walked off the stage after his underwhelming debate performance convinced he was the winner. Against the intuitive grain of 60 million viewers and a breathlessly fawning press who winced through a painfully dismal showing, Obama was content that he had delivered the rhetorical goods. He only realized he sank like a Chevy Volt dropped in water after his senior aides broke the news to the surprised, and disturbingly oblivious, Commander in Chief. Apparently, the most transparent President in history in also the least self-aware.
Senior aides had been wrought with anxiety for weeks that Obama wouldn’t fare well since he stubbornly refused to rigorously prepare: “’President Obama made it clear he wanted to be doing anything else – anything – but debate prep. He kept breaking off whenever he got the opportunity and never really focused on the event.” While campaigning in Nevada, Obama even poked fun at his own reluctance to hunker down: “ It’s a drag. They’re making me do my homework.”
Some aides anonymously revealed that Obama’s disdain for Romney runs so deep he considered preparation for the contest, and Romney as well, beneath him. His dripping contempt was palpable on the stage, as he refused to make sustained eye-contact with Romney, looking down at his shoes as if they were outfitted with a teleprompter.
In fact, the President spent much of the debate rambling through vapid talking points like he was lost in a fugue-state, tongue tied and generally torpid. It was obvious that he did not adequately prepare but now we know it wasn’t because of a demanding schedule (the day before the debate he visited the Hoover Dam instead of practicing, much to his advisors’ chagrin). He shirked what would seem like a top priority duty because he couldn’t muster even the duplicitous feint of respect for an opposing viewpoint, disgusted that someone has the audacity to challenge his ex officio proclamations.
But we learned even more than that, or at least had our growing suspicions about Obama dispositively confirmed. Despite all the contentless folderol about the virtue and wonder of bipartisan cooperation he spouted during his first campaign for president, Obama loathes dissent and only begrudgingly and condescendingly tolerates being contradicted. His brand of strident confidence crosses a line into elitist hubris, shorn of every follicle of humility, convinced that all who disagree with him are benighted fools or evil adversaries.
In other words, there is something at the heart of Obama’s animating ethos that abhors democracy, which necessarily gives free reign to a spirited exchange of competing ideas. His famous thin-skinned hypersensitivity is a symptom of a lack of self-reflection-criticism shocks him like personal offense since it never really occurs to him that he might be wrong.
And given our persistent economic doldrums, our embassies across the world on fire, Iran’s inexorable march towards a nuclear bomb, the increasingly bombastic assertiveness of China and Russia, and an unemployment rate that could only be lowered on his watch by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are good reasons for him to reconsider his convictions. But alas, he marches on into blissful oblivion, convinced he’s winning the war of ideas effortlessly, assured his floundering is perceived by the world as triumph.
This raises, even shouts out, the question: what other issues only appear to him through the filter of happy self-deceit? Does Obama really believe our enemies in the Middle East are so charmed by his swagger that they would never coordinate at attack on our embassies? Is he convinced we are grateful he has kept us unburdened by the crushing demands of regular employment? Is he under the impression Americans are thrilled they have skyrocketing health care costs, byzantine bureaucracy, and increasingly limited insurance options to cheerfully distract them from the despair of disease? Who are these nameless senior aides and why aren’t they correcting him more often?
It is hard to imagine Obama will do much better in the next debate, unless better means meaner and more aggressively mendacious. His biggest vulnerability at the podium is his dour resentment for having to be there in the first place, piqued that he should have to account for his himself before the people that elected him, that he now, at least purportedly, represents. Obama will attempt to feign interest but will only manage angry indifference-debates are for disciples of democracy, not technocratic kings.
—
Ivan Kenneally is Editor in Chief of the Daily Witness.
Category: Election 2012, Featured
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
That explains why Biden had to go in and try and restore confidence trying to pull an Obama 09 with the smiles and chuckles trying to relive the magic Obama created by looking like he was having fun and not at all concerned with someone else attacking him.
Ive said it so many times, All Obama likes to do is enjoy the perks of being Commander and Cheif, he loves his White House, Air Force One, Camp David and boy oh boy he loves to be Celeb in Chief. His polices had failed and I was one who while voting against him, did get behind him at first wanting to believe this man may just do what he said he was going to do being a reformer.
In the end though, Obama didnt want to debate Romney because he knew he was in trouble, he knew after 4 years of being the great dictator he would have to face the music and all the sudden his aura of might and power came crashing down as 4 years of failures and picking of losers requires an explanation from the man himself.
Obama you should quietly begin to look for another place in the middle of no where to live out the rest of your days in peaceful political exile, youve earned it. Now go and let the rational and logical people try and find a way to fix the mess they will inherit from you.
If you were looking for an intellectual debate, President Obama did win the debate but if you were looking for a theatrical boxing match, it goes to Romney. The President clearly outlined the differences between the two candidates and his plan, however, Romney was short on his plans and so was Ryan when pressed with details. The President’s mistake was that he, gave the American people too much credit trying to educate them on the issues when in fact, they were looking for a blood bath. It was a bad strategic move. I believe the other debates will be much different. But more importantly, we have had two years of debates with Romney which even his Republican challengers point out that he flip flops on too many issues, which leads one to believe that he would be an indecisive leader. Even his wife says publicly, not privately, that she is concerned about his emotional state. That, in my view, is rather disturbing when you have your hands on the pulse of this country.
I would have not said it better myself.
Jacob, you’re just another fine example of the lies liberals like to spread. Every politician, including your beloved Obama, kisses the rear of voters to get elected. The big mistake here is thinking Obama cares about the US, far from it. Any politician, especially the President, who tries to slither around the Constitution, is showing the snaken that he is. Your comment about emotional state, you need to be more concerned about Obama’s emotional state. He is an ideologue and when it becomes clear he is losing, he will go off the deep end. You see, liberals and the media have put him on such a pedestal so high, he will sure crash and crash hard. Just as he did not care enough to prepare for the 1st debate, he does not care about doing what is necessary to do what is in the best interest of the people of the US. He is only interested in what he is interested in. So put a sock in it because you sir are a liar.
Obama shows “distain” for the Constitution for it “limits” “his” ability as “he” see’s it. I knew this guy was dangeruose four years ago, but I guess we need to get a “Jimmy Carter” (interestinge on how History comming in full circles) to get a Reagan!
Which Reagan are you refering to , the one who tripled the federal deficit, who raised taxes 11 times, the one let unemployment raise to 10.8% in 1981,the one who funneled weapons to Iran, the one grew goverment more than anyone in history, the one who bailed out social security after wanting to privatize it, the one directly responsible for the rise of Osdama Bin Laden and the taliban, or are u referring to the one the Republicans created after that one left office !!
Two more days. Keep drinking the cool-aid!
At a time when the unemployed worker, needed Republicans and Democrats to work together, on a problem of epidemic proportions, that the people neither created nor could do anything to alter. The Republicans shut their doors, circled their wagons, and closed their minds.
Filibustering at a record pace from 2009-2011, was all the resourcefulness the GOP could muster for the American people.
To reason, and in the aftermath of a decade of George Bush Sr. and George Bush Jr., a nation turned to hope, attempting to survive its fools, and even the ambitious 1%, that thirsts for unquenchable power.
But as Marcus Tullius Cicero noted as Rome fell, “A nation cannot survive treason from within. An enemy that at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor; he speaks in accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their arguments, he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to fear.”
The plague is that of the right, with designs to silence the people and the truth, that clearly demonstrates their convictions, and confirms that the America is not sacred to them nor the sacrifices required that keep us free.
Hannity, Limbaugh, Greta Van Sustran, they are traitors who have forsaken truth.
The fact that both parties were unable to come to compromise and not do a damn thing beneficial including balancing the budget is unbelievable!! The Republicans and Democrats have both said “Let them eat cake!” Basically saying, Oh well, too bad, so sad, tell someone who cares.” What we should do is make sure to get rid of some dead wood around here so that we can someone into Congress who will Actually Care about Representing the People of this Great Nation that was created by our forefathers!
David, how quickly you forget that the Democrats held the majority in both Houses as well as the Presidency. If it was important, why did they not pass what you now feel this country needs. Why is the Senate sitting on so many bills, passed by the House? Why has there been no signed budget since Obama has taken office? Why do we have a dead Ambassador? Because we have a man in office that has no idea what he is supposed to be doing, that’s why.
Patrick that is also a common error among people who do not know how Congress works. You not only need a numerical advantage in both parts of the Congress, you need it to be 60% in the Senate and the Dems fell short by 2-3 votes. While there may be bills sitting in the Senate, they are bills that have been established they would be filibustered by some Senate member if brought forth to a vote which kills it for that year plus some. It’s obvious you watch the GOP run Fox and Drudge media and information outlets so here’s some FACTS for you to lookup even if you do not believe me directly. The Republicans in Congress have blocked 6 jobs bills this past year alone. Just this past September, 4 Republican Senators blocked a Veterans jobs bill that was fully paid for and funded AND was even partially written by the actual Repub who then blocked it!!. His despicable answer to why, so it can never come to the floor again, “we did not want to see Obama get a win” and actual quote by the un-Patriotic group. We have a brave ambassador dead but we lost 96 Americans in 8 embassy attacks during Bush and the GOP channel barely covered that. It’s a tragedy the Ambassador was killed but he ignored countless warnings for his safety for the entire year and was stationed in a simple hotel room during the Khadafi insurgence, he CHOSE to stay. Meanwhile all the top Al Qaeda leaders are gone, we got those Somali pirates and the Yemen terrorists and you’re telling me our president has no idea what he’s doing!!! I say stop watching a lying channel that has 7 people on their payroll whom are also on Romney’s no one else has that NOBODY!!
he’re simple link on that jobs bill…read for yourself:
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/09/20/gop-senators-block-veterans-jobs-bill.html
Very well said, Sir.
But I fear it has fallen on too many deaf ears….and closed minds.
Very well said David Cox!!!!!
Buddy, when your wrong, your wrong! Any in congress can make that choice, Just becouse a bill that comes to the floor that “you” agree with and the other side thinks otherwise, so before you start shouting “Traitor” look at your self, he who has glass house better be away of where he is standing befor throwing rocks
“At a time when the unemployed worker, needed Republicans and Democrats to work together, on a problem of epidemic proportions” ; David Cox.. It takes a “Leader” to get both sides to “come together” as the past four years has shown us, Obama is not! otherwise thing whould have been done. If Obama “was” a leader the Libya whould have “never happened” if he was a leader “real” health care would have been in place long before> If Obama was a “leader” thier would be “no doubt” for his re-election, look at the past and you will see the results of “REAL” leaders for we Americans “all of US” would be behind him, this is what most call “landslide” victories. this year there is no incumbant as a leader, the vacation is over, it is now time for someone else, as Obama “”HIMSELF” stated, one term Presedent. The facts state for themselve’s, a LEADER shows at least “some” inprovement upon re-election cycle. Obama has gone the other direction, everything has “increased” not “decreased” upon this example… WE CaNot Afford another FoUr years, unless you like $10 gas for your car! Question? why in creas the “efficancy” of the car when the cost to operate it double along with it
David, David, David.
It is so easy to blame and make excuses for a Community Organizer who has not the skills necessary for his position. He began by telling the Republicans “tough $h!t, I won and we are going to do it my way”. After ObamaCare was shoved down Republican throats (as well as a nation which at the time of the vote was 60% against it) without the bill even being read, Republicans got the message. Obama told them he did not need them and would not work with them. Nancy Pelosi dismissed out of hand any Republican ideas or offered amendments (some of which actually were small improvements). So Republicans left the playing field, or shall we say “they showed that they could “stop a train they were not permitted to ride”. When the super-majority was lost in the 2010 election, Democrats missed an opportunity to reach across the isle to forge some form of an alliance to work for the American common good. If there be “treason from within”, it be the Democrats who committed it with Obama watching (because he sure was NOT leading).
That is history, ugly as it might be, and the economy, in shambles, lies at the feet of Barack Obama, not George Bush. His lack of leadership with his party, his open disdain for the Republicans he insulted and his failure to build bridges has left the citizens of the United States of America picking up an economic tab with children not borne yet having to be slaves to the debt his agenda has given them as a “legacy”.
You talk of “silencing the people and the truth”, but that is exactly what the present administration has accomplished with the assistance of the Main Stream Media.
The Obama haters live among us. They are friends of mine. They love their NY Post and their Fox news.(Rupert) They are not really sure who the collage republicans were. Reagan is their hero. They forgot the S&L Crisis and the massive defense spending. They want to balance the budget and they agree about the defense spending problem, but would vote for Romney who has told his base he would spend 2 trillion more on defense spending. When pushed I have found that these people and I generally agree on most things. (these things are not the platform of the GOP, by the way) But oh do they hate Obama. They hate pro basketball, they follow the NFL, but the Mom’s only allow their boys to play soccer or hockey. They never really liked Jimmy Hendix’s music, or The Who. They just said they did years later.(not to be uncool) They were/are Nixon’s silent majority. I love many of them, I’m just very ashamed of them right now.
William really! Have you ever looked into who Obama’s friends are? The Middle East is crumbling around us and you are worried about if your friends hate Pro Basketball and follow the NFL, and what music they like. I was never a Nixon fan but Watergate never got an Ambassador killed.
Diane, one of Nixon’s successors, President Reagan, thought that being involved in the Lebanese Civil War in 1982 was a good idea. In 1983, 299 soldiers (241 Americans) were killed and 60 injured during the Beirut Barracks bombings in one of the biggest one day death tolls of Marines since WWII. Neocons and Hawks at the time will tell you that the United States was protecting our “National Interests”. Our Military, under different Presidents has failed to protect 2 barracks of soldiers in 1983, the USS Cole in 2000, and a civilian target, The World Trade Towers in 1993 and 2001. I am sure there are many other examples that could be politicized. The point is, President Obama had about as much to do about Ambassador’s Stevens death in Libya as President Reagan did regarding the Hezbollah militants driving 12,000 lbs. of TNT through some flimsy barricades in the Middle East. Since there are no cover-up by this administration regarding Benghazi or during Reagan’s administration in 1983…(unless you count future cover-ups e.g. the Iran-Contra cover-up a few years later), we do not know what the military consequences will be. In 1983, nothing of great importance was done to eradicate Hezbollah following the Marine Barracks attacks.
Daniel, there will always be breaches in security no matter how much you prepare. When it does happen, a leader steps up, tells the American people what happened and then takes action against those who decided to attack us. The ambassador had been asking for months, begging in fact, for increased security because of the ever increasing security risk in Libya. He knew something was going to happen and it feel on deaf ears in Washington. After the fact, the administration tried to blame it on everything other than a lack of leadership on their part. That my friend is the difference. They LIED to cover up their lack of leadership.
And becouse of this, who else has to pay the price (dead Americans) in the future. This was PREVENTABLE!
The Embassy in Tripoli asked for more security, not the Consulate in Benghazi.
And what they wanted was a PLANE.
If Ambassador Stevens somehow “knew” something was going to happen, why didn’t he stay in Tripoli with his Marine Guard detachment, instead of going to the unguarded, defenseless Consulate in Benghazi ?
That’s NOT where he was stationed. He belonged in Tripoli where he would have been far better protected.
And no, the Obama Administration didn’t LIE.
They simply said they would have to get to the truth before announcing what happened.
It’s fools like you that buy into the Right Wing spin, and believe that the Administration lied.
Even the story about “watching the Benghazi attack on live feed” part is a myth the Right Wing made up.
Did you stop to think “who in the White House would have said that?” ?
It’s just another Right Wing Fantasy.
There was an unarmed drone flying overhead by 11PM, but it wasn’t piloted from the White House, and it’s unlikely they saw any of it.
Your obvious blind obsessions are similar to a Jim Jones cult members response about questioning the Kool-Aid ritual being a requirement of all followers.
Your contempt for Republicans is a clear extension of your Furer’s disdain for the Democratic process. We shall see the true colors of Heir Oblamius when the perviabial politcal chickins come home in November.
I hope you can take the rejection in stride. We would miss having you to kick around in 2014.
My, my. Ashamed of them, for what? Agree with them, about what? Their only redeeming quality seems to be that they sometimes agree with you.
When I see someone using that “Obama haters” nonsense or the “Fox News” bromide, I realize that the commentary has been posted by an intellectually bankrupt person who is incapable of discussing facts.
Obama is what we get when we elect a media creation as President.
thats a buttload of stereotypes
Wow, one of the most powerful comments I’ve read in a long time. Good Job William!
Lets see? Race card is introduced becouse they cannot hold the argument, what is wrong with “I don’t like his “”politics””… is this being a “hater/racist”? very interesting as to what Obama stated on his campain trail in 08, as he is doing today.
William Crable says he has friends that are Obama haters and he is ashamed of them, that Reagan is their hero, as if that is shameful. He believes his friends should hate Reagan for the same reason they should vote for the current Socialist would be communist candidate. Reagan did more positive things for this country than any other president in history. He picked up from the horrible mess Jimma Carta left and turned the country around from 17% interest rates, zero patriotism, weakened military and declining economy, to renewed patriotism, interest rates back to normal (people could actually get a loan to buy or build a house) strengthened military and respect from around the world, and took the country back to a robust economy. For that, he is ashamed of his more informed friends for loving Reagan! He prefers to re-elect a far left Socialist (would be communist) that has spent four years setting this country back 25 years doing the exact opposite of what he campaigned on, with every excuse in the book (with a few more he invented) …. I could go on and on about Obamas’ dishonesty, the corruption, opaqueness of his administration, the cover-ups’, his history of association with USA haters, white haters, communists, etc. etc., all disavowed after it became apparent all of that wasn’t being very well accepted by the voters…..
And for this, you get to be called a “racist” or something along that line. Reagan was the chief architect on getting that “wall” to come down and he did it without firing a shot! You see this “pundan’t” that not only “bought and drank the kool-aid” but also demand that I must also. My grandfather stated to me a long time ago, after WWII, Americans was inviolate! Nobody would DARE to test! Look at today, any and every American has a target painted on US! I don’t care if “they” think I’m arrogant! If you have a problem, start walking! That Flag represents a Ideal that brings far most piece and prosperity that ANY nation EVER has don’t since the dawn of mankind! American needs to be IN FROUNT not BEHIND for if we don’t then there is ALWAYS somebody else that will! Obama is the one indivual that “painted” the “bulls eye” not only on my back but also “yours” (referring to the Lib’s)
Actually, contradictory to what this article says, it is not a matter of president of Obama winning this pointless debate since Romney did not really answered anything either over just dancing around the questions, it was more like president Obama not wanting to waste important time that could other wise be used to deal with some of the real problems were are facing. I am surprised president Obama did not just get up and walk away from the debate. Nothing was achieved, other then Romney showing of his new suit. Seriously, we deserve better than a fashion aficionado.
Are you kidding? It’s hard to believe that you actually believe what you wrote. Like you, I am also surprised that President Obama didn’t walk away from the debate. You think that he didn’t want to waste his important time debating when he could be dealing with some of the real problems we are facing. I think that because President Obama has a hard time speaking an intelligent sentence without a teleprompter that when he saw that Romney had done his homework and had actual facts at hand that his mind went numb and all he could do was resort to the usual platitudes that are swallowed unquestionably by his adoring minions. If he had walked off from the stage I wouldn’t have been surprised. He probably would have kicked a door or two on his way out as that’s how he usually reacts when things don’t go his way. This whole debate process reminds me of a football game and the adjustments that can take place at half-time. One team, the Arrogant Obama, underestimates the other team, and doesn’t adequately prepare. Hopefully, after getting thumped the first half, they learn their lesson, make adjustments, and come out the second half (with more respect and appreciation for their opponent), and perform more effectively. However, I don’t think Obama can perform more effectively without a teleprompter with remarks prepared beforehand by the actual people orchestrating his administration, (short list), Valerie Jarrett, George Soros, Van Jones, David Axelrod, Ron Bloom…socialists/communists, all. We’ll see.
Arg, again with this. I stand by what I previously said. Seriously, Romney is small fries. He did not do any home work all he did was dance around the questions.
Reminds me of an episode of Family Guy when Lois was running up against the incumbent mayor West.
Mort asked him a question and then Romney, ahem, I mean mayor West sat on his laps and kissed him on the forehead. Seriously do I have to stoop this low to describe Romney.
You’ve just clarified who you are by making a Family Guy reference. No need to try to reason with that.
The world knows that it was BO who did NOT do their homework – he about said so himself. If you want to be a fan, that’s great, but try not to sound idiotic.
I thought that was the description of Obama because I didn’t he said a damn that was remotely meaningful besides boasting about “What I’ve done… when he didn’t do a damn thing!
Romney at least knew what he talking about through most of the debate
Since when does the incumbent, get up and leave, during a Debate, are you implying that this “election” needs not to be applied for? Sorry to say, every four years this “job” has to be reapplied for, so this “pointless” debate is very “point” and very necessary. It appears that you have absolutely no Idea how (I don’t even think you read it”) Democratic Republic works, even Mitt Romney will have to “reapply” for the job in 2016 and the same matrixes that the American public demands will also be at that time. As in ANY applicant for the job, show me why I need to vote for you?
Excellent review, excellent assessment. I’m always amazed when people speak of his powers as a speaker… youtube is full of his flubs, had Bush made those errors, would have been all over the media. The Emperor’s New Clothes… if the media tell them someone is great, they just repeat it instead of watching and listening. Thank you.
Wonderful analysis of Barack Obama. The author is concise and to the point when describing the president. Sadly, it all has the ring of truth. For the many who wanted this man to do well his performance as president has to be the ultimate disappointment. For the rest of the people his lack of qualifications and experience has delivered the expected outcome, failure on a massive scale.
What a lame and pointless discussion! Who wins any debate is always a personal opinion. While I thought Romney easily won debate one and Obama slightly won debate two, I accept that mine is just one opinion. I cannot imagine either of these two egocentric politicians leaving a debate stage thinking that he had lost. Such a man or woman politician would have years ago given up politics.
Opinion with out “facts” is a “pointless” opinion and needs to get the coffee
Obama still won the debate in my eyes. Its my opinion and everyone has their own.
And, of course, you believe that he is a good and effective president, too, and the easter bunny thing.
Did you look “past” the man; do you really know who the “Barack Obama” is? Where did he come from, what were “his” credentials? How and where did he get them? Don’t people research or the “hip and pomp” of the media circus. We see the “flash of the lights” and “proud” explanations over the pulpit! Obama say’s the “world is a safer place” despite the evidence to the contrary! Nations fighting Nations and along with “nationist” added to the soup? How can ANY one claim things are better since 2008? Am I not supposed to listen to the media outside of what is “sanctioned” by him? (Obama) He stares into the camera and states the same “promises” as he stated four years ago, he didn’t keep them then and by golly I see no reason he will keep them now, even you Liberals cannot deny that one! And yet he needs a “little” more time? Pure and Simple, if you wanted the Job then you also “know” what it “entails,” so Obama that is the “lamest” excuses of them all, don’t come crying that it was “worse” than “anyone” thought it was, Obama your lying again as he “Lied” from the beginning. The world is a “safer” place just because the “Almighty” tells me so, right!
He may NOT have known what the job entailed. As a Senator, he voted “present” more than “yes” or “no”. He has shown NO leadership over the Democrat Party, not even demanding a real budget. He has shown NO leadership reaching across the isle to Republicans to find some common ground to move legislation.
If the House and Senate are acting like petulant children, the President HAS TO BE THE ADULT IN THE ROOM, and Obama has not. Being a “Community Organizer” does not prepare one for the Presidency. Had the entire nation held Obama to the same standards and expectations as Sarah Palin (who would only have been Vice president) could Obama have been elected?
From a debate performance, you draw some rather tenuous conclusions about the character of the President. It is my assumption that you do not know the man personally or even casually for that matter and, it seems, the only real motivation you could have for such a flight of fancy would be political partisanship. No shock there, of course. But the question that occupies my mind currently is: Do folks such as yourself-Republican or Democrat skewed, it doesn’t matter-even bother to consult what might be a more fair representation of what you choose to write about? Or, rather, is the problem much deeper and more disturbing? You genuinely believe the conclusions you have drawn above about a man you have no direct relationship with and do so without even a minimal amount of awareness of your own political prejudices, or, if you prefer, political preferences? You see, the problem is, if the later is true and you do think your assessment of the President’s character is “spot on,” then you and-sadly-the many, many, many others (slanted toward which ever party, it doesn’t matter) who are in a position, as journalists, to be the intellectual “referees” of the ideological discussion that should be at the heart of our decision about who to elect as our next President, are failing the American people. You (supposed “journalists” and “editorialists”) are no more than puppets for the propaganda each campaign uses to try to manipulate people in effort to win the election. You shirk the opportunity to serve a valuable function in our society and instead encourage and help move our political candidates further from honest, fair, and most importantly, productive conversations. While you write your biased and unfair musings, they sit and cackle, fully enjoying how your vacuous diatribe might forward their cause. And everyone loses because no one is talking honestly and all the problems are getting worse.
Oh yea and you know him soo well?? Let me guess you enjoy coffee and donuts with Obama in the Airforce One cabin?? Dork!
Your comment doesn’t even make sense. I, of course, don’t know him. Nor does Mr. Kenneally. THAT’S THE POINT!
Don’t you feel it is good practice for people-regardless of political preferences-to abstain from assailing another person’s character with out real knowledge of that person? We can criticize a person’s choices and decisions if we can extrapolate from those decisions consequences we feel are negative for the majority of people, but that is not what is being expressed above. No, the article above is a partisan attack on the President’s character based on his performance during a debate and from a few non-incriminating quotes. It serves no other purpose than to drum up irrational emotion in voters such as yourself so that you will burrow further into your skewed idea about the kind of man the President is and, therefore, you will never even consider voting for him. And the same can be said about the countless number of liberal writers hoping to extract the same fervor of negative emotion toward Romney. In neither case does it help our political system function and, in turn, solve the problems we face as a nation. I’m not picking sides here, Diana. I’m saying we need constructive thought and reflections from the talking heads (journalists and editorialists) representing both parties, not more propaganda to feed ignorance.
You sure said alot, but still said nothing. The excuses the Obamorits will say for thier God and King. I don’t have to “know” a man to see of his “charactor”, good or bad, just his works speaks for more…
Obama never said he won the debate. You conservatives just want to win, by just attacking opposition, How many more times are you going to use the cry wolf syndrome. Obama is secretly gay,Muslim ,birth er crap, Nazi, hates America,Even last night at the Al-smith dinner, which you were suppose to make pun of yourself,and Romney most of his jokes just attacked Obama. Romney couldn’t even say God bless America, or congrats to the people. Like Obama did in closing statement. So you people can mislead,condemn,insult,degrade,skew the facts, and on polling,attack people’s right to vote,confuse voting rights with your bill boards.This crap only serves the fringe, and does not educated or solves issues. I believe most Americans are really getting tired of this. OH MY GOD THE DREADED TELEPROMPTER, that most of all politicians use in one way or the other.
you obviously didn’t watch the video. President Romney said “God bless the United States of America” at the end of his speech. you are an ill informed foolish tool. and obama isn’t secretly gay or a muslim. he is quite open about it…
Obama says a lot but his “heart” is far from it
No wonder the republican voters are so ill informed all this article did was just attack. If this is all a voter reads all the time and don’t look for facts on their on. I can see how you can be mislead. This is guided democracy.
A few Quote from the past..
Don”t be a spectator in the struggle to preserve FREEDOM
No one could make a greater mistake then he who did nothing, Because he could do only a little.
Public sentiment is everything.
Without public sentiment nothing can fail and
Without it nothing can succeed. ( Abe Lincoln )
SEMPER FI
Rockydan
I post a few Quotes from the past.
Now if obama were really concern about America and it’s people. He would have took command when the situation in Libya began months ago. He would not have left it up to those who were only peeon.
They never should have pulled out the security personal. Actuallly they should have increased them.
SEMPER FI
Rockydan
You lost me completely at “In other words, there is something at the heart of Obama’s animating ethos that abhors democracy, which necessarily gives free reign to a spirited exchange of competing ideas.”
By most accounts Obama does, indeed tolerate, and indeed solicit, opposing points of view. Could it be that his contempt for Romney stems from the latter’s evident, and nearly complete, disdain (or maybe it’s apathy) for the truth-something that’s been remarked about with some frequency by many Republicans and centrists, as well as Democrats? I think that’s far more likely. Obama’s first debate performance was completely out of touch with the format and significance of the occasion, but your interpretation is beyond ridiculous, dripping as it does with bad faith. As for me, I’ve “witnessed” the last of your pages.
I have learned that there is a particular group that follows the democratic party:
1. Pro Abortionists (that now call this reprehensible behavior as “reproductive rights”.
2. Pro Gay Marriage and gay lifestyle
3. Food Stamp recipients
4. Welfare recipients (those who prefer to receive their whole lives without working or doing anything to receive it)
5. Anti Christian – Pro Muslims
6. Black People – who have made this President and this election all about race and calling everyone who is not interested in voting for anyone other than a black man – all about race.
7. You work at MSNBC.
You forgot the “Moonbats.” Rich, white, trust fund people who had abortions while they were young or made their girlfriends have them. They are usually heavily medicated on various psychiatric drugs. Many are in academia. They yelled and screamed about Bush’s War but even though 2,000 GI deaths under Obama we never see them make a peep about the GI Deaths. They think the enslavement vote of the welfare class is great even though they are protected from the pain of higher taxes by what daddy left them. They are clueless that the influx of illegal immigrants is caused by the vacumm of people left behind when 40,000,000 million of our children were murdered. PS These could be the ones at MSNBC.
I took the time to read all the responses. I found it interesting that an article that is clearly biased and negative in nature can promote responses that are equally biased and negative. The beauty of public forums is public opinions. Sadly the ignorance of public opinions is that in light of disagreements many often resort to childish behaviors of name calling and labeling as thou that somehow solidifies or justifies a point or a stance taken. If you came with a set of opinions or point of view it is just that. The Author is speaking as if he had a back stage pass that allowed him to document the actions of the President blow by blow. If we didn’t see it or hear it from the originator ourselves then it remains hearsay. Judge the facts as you know them to be and leave the stereotyping, name calling and labeling out as it only points to your level of intelligence or lack thereof. Don’t hate the person who inherited the problem , hate the circumstances and decisions that led to the inheritance of the problem.
And why are you voting for him? This article does not “aggress” with your assessment to all you have (just like Obama) is ridicule. Do you really look past the facade and see what is supporting the façade . Any and I do say ANY incumbent, if he wants to keep his job better explain to me “why” he wants to keep it and also…what will/are you going to do that is “different” or better path that what is current, EXPECUALY if the past four years was a FAILURE! Get it, I don’t want “free” phones, I want a JOB so I can obtain one for MYSELF and the model that I want (employment at a comprisable wage) and if I have to explain this one, a job that pays more than “minimum wage” by their “works” they will be discerned, and I see the past four years as to the “works” of Obama and I fear the results of another Four Years. Does any one understand this word? Agency, Free Agency, this is what is up on the table this November, do you want to make “your choices” from yourself or does government start making this for you, free phone anybody!
I think what amuses me most about those who plan to vote for Obama and Obama himself rarely, if ever, mention his 1st four year accomplishments, his plan for another term, and his experience. For his accomplishments, the major one is Obamacare. Obama himself NEVER brings it up. Why is that? Because once it goes into effect, people will revolt against it since so many of the, don’t know what it’s going to end up costing them. They think it’s going to be free healthcare. Ha. Next up, Obama’s agenda…he never says anything except blanket platitudes. This from a man who hasn’t put forth a balanced budget plan, has not wored in a Bi-Partisan effort with many in Congress and Senate unless it gets him what HE wants. So much for reaching across the aisle. Finally compare his ‘experience’ before becoming President to practically any other President, or Mitt Romney. Obama pales in comparison…he never even finished one term in the Senate and rarely took part in it. He was a Community Organizer for previous work. I’d take a Governor and a man an who has led many successful companies, in this current climate where jobs and the economy are most important things. Has Obama shown much in the way of economic leadership? His debate response about why gas prices have risen from $1.85 to over $4 a gallon was incredulous and laughable. He and his Sec of Energy have both said that they WANT gas prices here to rise to what the Europeans pay, which would be about $6-10 a gallon. Yeah, that’s what most Americans want. Let’s hear fom you Democrats about that. Look it up. And then Obama wasted Billions of bailout and grant money, American taxpayers money, on the bankrupt-now Solandra and at least one other company that developed lithium batteries for autos. Both companies were, of course, supporters of Obama so they got their pyoffs and promptly died. As if most Americans will purchase solar power items and battery powered cars. Let’s hear any Dem defend these points. You can’t.
Obama/Biden has “doubled” the efficiency of the automobile! So tell me what is so good about my buying a car, double the price (efficiency comes at a price) and not at least the cost of RUNNING it at “double” the price at the pump! This is what ½ of America wants? Smoke and mirrors this candidate is showing. Just because he say’s so, thus it must be and Obama fools the people for the next two weeks. After the election he will have “more time”! The idiot vote is what Obama is looking for, so are you going to be the “Idiot” For his “works” you will know him and I sure have seen his “works” or the “lack” of it!
Remember, at the present time, electric cars are charged from electricity coming to YOUR home provided by YOUR Electric Company. So no matter how efficient your electric vehicle, its efficiency and impact on the environment can be no better than the efficiency and cleanliness of your Electric Company. At a time when the entire electric grid is under great stress at some location of the country, depending on season, we are going to add millions of electric vehicles to that demand. Most will be charging during the night and they draw a heck of a lot more than your air conditioner. Can we say night time “brown outs”? If the President only understood a little engineering, if only…
I don’t like either party. But when they occupy the White House the GOP starts wars and ruins the economy for the benefit of their rich friends. They advocate torture. They give away our resources to the big international corporations. They talk about reducing the budget but when they get in office they spend like drunken sailors.
People forget why Obama was elected in the first place. The American people we so angry, so fed up with Bush/Cheney that we elected a man of color whose middle name is Hussein! That’s fed up and angry! As we had a right to be…
Why don’t we stop bickering and going at each other’s throat? That’s just what Obama wants. For us to be devided. Because devided, we can be easily conquered. Has anyone in here ever seen Obama’s movie titled “Obamas’s America 2016?” It is really is an eye opener. Obama doesn’t love America. He hates America. He thinks America is anti-socialist country who wants to control the world. And the only way to defeat an undefeatable military of USA is to destroy it’s economy. Which in the end will end in the country’s collapse. That’s why’s he’s gone on apology tour and had been strengthening our enmies and not giving support to our allis. That’s Barack Obama’s dream. That’s the dream of his father. Tht’s why his allowed his brother to live away from him because his ther doesn’t share his crazy dream and doesn’t praise their father who by the way left Obama when he was a child. I think everybody knows that. We all need each other’s support if we want America to survive this disaster when we we have allowed an enemy to infiltrate our economy. Just think about it. We are all America’s hope. The truth is right in front of our nose. We are just too stubborn to see it. Romney is not the enemy. Obama is. Watch the movie!! Then question yourselves if that’s what you want. I double-dare you!!
By the way.. “Obama’s America 2016″ is only $1 at RedBox. If you are truly proud to be American,wether you are black or white or latino/american, you will seek the truth before you badmouth the true american who is linked by the way to our fore father’s which are our forefounders who built this great nation into it’s greatness. Watch the movie. Seek the truth. Then you decide before it’s really too late. Before you elect somebody who’s really trying to set up this great nation into it’s greatest fall.
Amazing is the amount of ignorance in America today people need to grow up really. We have a person running for president that until recently owned stocks in Chinese companies, ships American jobs off to foreign counties, has off shore bank accounts, Mitt Romney profited by at least $15.3 million from auto bailout. Will not release any more tax statements for fear that America will see the truth on what he is hiding. Romney urges business owners to tell their employees how to vote or risk losing their jobs. Wants to take America to more unfunded wars in Iran, Syria and continue to occupy Afghanistan so that his cronies can get rich while America becomes a true third world country. This guy failed as governor (38% approval rating) and people think he is qualified to run the country!
Talk about not being informed…
Exact same things could be said about Bush in his debates with Kerry.
It dose not matter both of them dont give frig about the workin man.they are all millionaires its who can fill there pockets….they would sell this country out in a heart beat…..look up the net wealth of are congress and senate lol 99% are millionaires
bernard, I believe Romney does care about the ordinary Americans. His background involves much of that sort of thing. Part of it is because he’s a Mormon and they are brought up that way.
He’s also highly intelligent, and has an excellent record of achievement of his goals.
We need him to turn things around so Americans can get back to work.
It bothers me that the President hardly ever talks about creating private sector jobs unless they are tied to one union or another.
People hurt. We need a change.
The debate was simply Obama being Obama. He shows the same disdain for anyone who does not simply wait to hear the wisdom that emanates from him in press conferences, in dealing with Congress, indeed with the American people. Every day, he acts as he is “above it all.” I’m thrilled that he’ll soon be able to go back to a line of work where being haughty, proud, and filled with hubris is appropriate – Professor Obama, I hope you enjoy your retirement.
No. You can’t blame Republicans for the failures of this administration.
And it’s the masses of educated Americans that are making the difference now, not Limbaugh and the rest. And it’s not the Jon Stewarts and the “thrill up my leg Chris Matthews” or the Dixie Chicks who will decide this election. It will be close, but if real Americans wake up Obama will get only a single term….and America will survive and flourish again.
Obama is not an ordinary Democrat due to his anti-colonial point of view.
As D’Souza points out in 2016, “real Democrats want to redistribute income in America. Obama wants to realign America in the world.”
He is not the multi-cultural embodiment of the American dream. We should not try to project our country’s history onto him; he has his own UNIQUE history.
I don’t believe a majority of Americans see this country as he does. And we don’t want to.