home

How's That Post-Partisan Unity Schtick Working Out?

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Other Politics
Posted on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:43:58 PM EST
Tags: (all tags)
Share This: Digg! StumbleUpon del.icio.us reddit reddit

Pew:

Obama’s job rating among independents and Republicans is now significantly lower than at any other point in his presidency. While Democrats are less supportive of Obama on a number of specific issues, overall job approval among Democrats is little changed from earlier in the year.

Republican assessments of Obama’s job performance – already negative since February – have taken a sharp turn for the worse over the past month. Just 19% of Republicans say they approve of his overall job performance, a 12-point drop since June. At the same time, independent opinion also has become less positive. While a plurality of independents approves of the job Obama is doing (48% approve, 37% disapprove), this is an eight-point decline in approval since June. By contrast, Democrats continue to approve of Obama’s job performance at levels similar to those seen over the course of the last six months.

In the end, if Obama and Democrats do some good governing, they'll continue to win. If they do some bad governing, they could lose (the GOP is so inept, that Dem ineptness might not be enough for them.) The only poll that matters is on election day.

Speaking for me only

< Thursday Afternoon Open Thread | Why The Big Dog Has No Role To Play In The Health Care Debate >

  • The Online Magazine with Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news

  • Contribute To TalkLeft


    • Display: Sort:
    How's That Post-Partisan Unity Schtick Working Out? | 101 comments (101 topical)

    Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment

    Honeymoon is over--that much is clear (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:52:11 PM EST
    Tom Davis was on Hardball the other day reacting to the Voinovich comments, and he suggested that Republicans would find salvation in gubernatorial races. It's hard to disagree with him about that, as Dems are behind in Virginia and (scarily) New Jersey. The economy is hurting Dems too--another reason why the stimulus should have been larger.

    CA Governor's approval ratings are (none / 0) (#2)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:53:56 PM EST
    sinking fast.  Maybe another recall?

    Parent
    Term's over pretty soon (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:55:42 PM EST
    Though my bet is that Jerry Brown could waltz in--and not a moment too soon.

    More imp. is a constitutional convention in order to return the state to a republican form of government.

    Parent

    Excellent use of the small 'r' republican :) (none / 0) (#5)
    by steviez314 on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:57:56 PM EST


    Parent
    It's guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution (none / 0) (#6)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:59:41 PM EST


    Parent
    If Brown is elected Gov., state employees (none / 0) (#13)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:08:01 PM EST
    will be on unpaid furlough longer than 3 days/month.  

    Parent
    another recall (none / 0) (#7)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:00:33 PM EST
    what delicious irony that would be

    Parent
    I hope not. (none / 0) (#22)
    by coigue on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:17:15 PM EST
    because the democratic voters will have multiple candidates and the GOP one again....ugh.

    Parent
    These numbers seem to be a result of (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by The Last Whimzy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:04:04 PM EST
    Economic despair, not political strategy.

    Most of it is Political (1.00 / 1) (#57)
    by ChiTownMike on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:47:17 PM EST
    not economic. Look at the poll.

    A big part of the slide is exactly what I predicted a few days after Obama's initial Gates comments. He went from 53% approval among Whites to 46% in the aftermath of his initial comments. That is a slide of 7%. So much for racial politics eh Barry?

    And so much for those posters here jumping all over me when I said Obama screwed up - including BTD. It's not my fault that some didn't recognize the obvious.

    Now Obama 'stupidly' does Act II tonight. That ought to play well. Two Black men flanking Crowley talking about race. Gee back in the neighborhood we used to call that Left Ball-Right Ball, or in this case an Oreo Cookie.

    I predict that Obama will be seen as "Ganging" up on Crowley with his Racist "teaching moment". The only question I have is will Obama and Gates each wear one glove. No not to honor Michael Jackson, but to honor Tommie Smith's and John Carlos' Black Power Salute at the 1968 Olympics.

    This Oreo Cookie Teaching moment has to be one of the dumbest domestic political moves Obama has made since he opened his mouth originally about Gates. Well when you are on a roll (downhill) you might as well milk it all the way to the bottom I guess.

    Parent

    Have fun (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by CST on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:55:45 PM EST
    with the other 54%.  With the way republicans are turning away black and hispanic voters every time they open their mouths, they will need every white vote they can get.

    Parent
    I happen to (none / 0) (#74)
    by ChiTownMike on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:22:16 PM EST
    be a Latino who doesn't plan on moving over to the GOP.  I just happen to be one that isn't afraid to see reality which would do the Democrats some good to if they could only see reality. Winning elections just because your opponent is more screwed up than you are is not exactly what the people of this nation needs. Agree?

    Parent
    Um you've made your views on (5.00 / 2) (#63)
    by Socraticsilence on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:59:10 PM EST
    "the blacks" more than apparent on this topic- Obama- by ever commenting on anything a black person does in anything other than a critical manner is playing the "race card"

    Gates- despite being a distinguished scholar who is generally regarded as if anything to concillatory on the issues of civil rights history- is suddenly Al Sharpton

    Crowley- is a true American Hero who despite obviously lying on his police report, arresting a man for being lippy in his own home, and disregarding basic police procedures is the victim.

    we get it by now.

    Parent

    Gates is the one (1.00 / 0) (#76)
    by ChiTownMike on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:25:52 PM EST
    who played the race card. Then Obama played it. And now they are both going to play it again. And you think that is good for America. Noting will change from it other than two things. The divide will get bigger - and Obama's polling will go down more. How is that good politics?

    Parent
    Ladies and Gentlemen- Glenn Beck (5.00 / 0) (#88)
    by Socraticsilence on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:10:51 PM EST
    Please explain to me how Obama played the Race Card- I realize that whenever a "black" talks about another man its "playing the race card" but when you parse the President's statement it appears he went out his way to say he had no reason to bleieve that race played a factor.  

    Parent
    Sheesh (5.00 / 4) (#64)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:01:17 PM EST
    Are you really unable to tell the truth anymore?

    I called Obama's foray into Gates-gate a mistake the moment it happened.

    Get down from the cross please.

    Parent

    Yes (1.00 / 1) (#78)
    by ChiTownMike on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:32:06 PM EST
    but you called it a mistake for a totally different reason than I did. You didn't call him out for his stupidity of playing the race card or jumping on the police. In fact you joined him jumping on the police to the tune of leading the charge that Crowley falsified his report which neither you or anyone else has any real evidence of. In fact it is kind of funny how some here (not you) get on the cops for fabricating evidence but have no problem fabricating their own in their posts. Too funny!

    So I told the truth. I was the first one here to my knowledge to start posting about Obama's race baiting mistake. And now the polls shows I was right on target.

    BTW I was raised a Catholic so I like the cross!

    Do you think Barry and Skip will wear the gloves?

    Parent

    Race-baiting (5.00 / 0) (#89)
    by Socraticsilence on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 07:11:51 PM EST
    my god its like you think Obama's Glenn Beck or Michelle Bachmann or something.

    Parent
    Backpedal (none / 0) (#87)
    by coigue on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:56:48 PM EST
    And so much for those posters here jumping all over me when I said Obama screwed up - including BTD. It's not my fault that some didn't recognize the obvious
    .

    And I still don't agree with you why it was a mistake.

    Parent

    true...or general impatience. (none / 0) (#23)
    by coigue on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:18:06 PM EST


    Parent
    What's your local unemployment (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by Fabian on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:20:17 PM EST
    rate?

    I think the only thing keeping the numbers up is the summer.  Come the cold, cruel winter, the numbers will continue to fall.  Anyone want to guess how fast their state's Heating Assistance program will run out of funds?

    Parent

    8.3% (none / 0) (#86)
    by coigue on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:53:04 PM EST
    I understand their impatience.

    Parent
    The Republican (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:04:39 PM EST
    numbers are no surprise - I think many of them a)gave him the benefit of the doubt and / or b) knew they had to remain silent while the hopey-changey orgy was going on from Election Day through the Inauguration.  But now the gloves are off.

    Indies?  Well, that's why they're independent and why they are the most coveted prize on Election Day - even though they were with him during the hopey-changey orgy, and have been more patient with him because they knew he inherited a mess and they aren't seeing lots of hope or change come, 6 months in. As soon as fall comes (and we start a new election cycle), my guess is, his numbers will fall even further - probably below 50% across the board - especially if health care continues to be a debacle and the economy doesn't show any signs if improving.

    I guess Obama would be worried (none / 0) (#65)
    by Socraticsilence on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:02:12 PM EST
    if the opposition party wasn't at near record lows for both approval and identification, and if the most popular voice of the the opposition wasn't regarded as being qualified more for stay-at-home mom and talk show host than President according to polling by the most generous of institutions.

    Parent
    And yet (5.00 / 4) (#67)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:07:11 PM EST
    His numbers are still sliding, as well as that of several prominent Dem governors, even though the opposition isn't that popular either.

    Guess even hopey-changey can't cure all ills.

    Parent

    No it hasn't (none / 0) (#69)
    by Socraticsilence on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:09:43 PM EST
    but consideiring his approval is basically 2 to 3 times his any currently concievable GOP challenger its hard to imagine him not being re-elected in 2012 barring a major outside event.

    Parent
    like failing (5.00 / 3) (#70)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:12:24 PM EST
    to pass meaningful health care reform?

    Parent
    Not really (none / 0) (#71)
    by Socraticsilence on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:14:53 PM EST
    It would suck but I can't see it pushing people to elect someone worse anymore than it put Dole in office in 1996.

    Parent
    I can (none / 0) (#72)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:19:47 PM EST


    Parent
    Actually now that I think about it (none / 0) (#75)
    by Socraticsilence on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:23:42 PM EST
    the 1996 comparison was unfair- as nothing near 1994 will happen, and Dole is so much better than any 2012 contender its not funny.

    Parent
    after 8 years of Bush (5.00 / 3) (#77)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:27:24 PM EST
    it amazes me that people still think a "quality candidate" is required for a republican to get elected.

    Parent
    Yeah (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:34:32 PM EST
    the more "sure" they are the more ridiculous it looks. I guess they haven't been through enough election cycles to see what can happen.

    Parent
    Nope (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:33:06 PM EST
    His reelection is going to depend on his record. You have to remember that if Dems can win by default so can the GOP. Enough people disgusted with Obama enough to sit home or vote GOP is all it's gonna take for him to lose.

    Parent
    Both parties have discovered they (none / 0) (#102)
    by Inspector Gadget on Sat Aug 01, 2009 at 07:38:51 PM EST
    can claim a victory without actually winning, so it will be interesting to see who finds the better strategy next time.

    Parent
    BTD (5.00 / 2) (#16)
    by Jlvngstn on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:10:35 PM EST
    sorry for all of my criticisms past about your unity complaints.  u wuz rite

    Dear jlvngston: (5.00 / 4) (#40)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:46:46 PM EST
    Do you think it is a good idea for two commenters in one day to admit BTD is correct?

    Parent
    heck (5.00 / 6) (#44)
    by Jlvngstn on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:56:29 PM EST
    if I had known someone else had done so I would have waited a month!

    Parent
    +1000 (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by lambert on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 08:15:05 PM EST
    LOL!!!

    Parent
    Howard Dean (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:13:37 PM EST
    has been hosting countdown and last night Sherrod Brown was on talking about the healthcare dogpile.
    I like that guy more and more.  he as an interesting take on the whole bipartisan crock.

    Brown appears about 3 minutes in

    Funny thing (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:14:40 PM EST
    Remember when the netroots used to like Dean precisely because he railed against the PPUS?

    Parent
    nutroots aside (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:21:00 PM EST
    I still like him

    Parent
    Can we run him (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:36:06 PM EST
    for Prez?

    Parent
    It's interesting though (none / 0) (#45)
    by brodie on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:56:50 PM EST
    that HoDo had two nice things to say about the Waxman comm'ee compromise plan, or the one reported yesterday afternoon.  

    We both had similar initial reactions it seems.

    Today though I'm a little less enthusiastic, after considering one of the elements of its public plan and how the compromise was being strongly opposed by people I trust like Barney Frank and Jerry Nadler and then Lynn Woolsey.

    I think we should be looking to get something stronger out of the House, in the expectation that the final senate bill will probably be less appealing.

    Parent

    I have enjoyed (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by Capt Howdy on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:04:06 PM EST
    hearing his thoughts on this stuff the last couple of days.


    Parent
    Surprised (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by ColumbiaDuck on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:02:59 PM EST
    That anyone is surprised by this.  Politics in this country is a zero-sum game.  Only one person can win any given seat.  Why some Democrats thought Republicans would just be ok rolling over for Obama never made sense to me.  (Because he was a nice guy?  Because he had good hair?  Because he'd bowl them over with the power of his words?)  Whatever the reason, it was pretty illogical on its face.

    But a year ago, I understood that we were talking theory.  Today, we see the reality and still some dream of bipartisan agreement.

    Oy.

    well. you have to invite people (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by coigue on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:26:08 PM EST
    to rise above it and do what's right for the country. Doesn't mean they will.

    Parent
    But (5.00 / 3) (#52)
    by ColumbiaDuck on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:29:09 PM EST
    they have a different idea of "what is right for the country"!  That's been apparent forever.  They have different principles.  They aren't going to abandon those and they aren't just going to let themselves lose.

    Parent
    not completely (none / 0) (#53)
    by coigue on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:33:19 PM EST
    many conservatives are aware of the health care crisis, and want to fix it. In fact I just heard Paul Krugman debate this guy from the Amer Enterprise Institute about HC. They agreed on almost everything. It was wierd.

    Of course there are some who want government to fail and go away except to help out corporate pals, but if you don't at least invite them to give that crap up, then you might miss an opportunity.

    I am disappointed at how this is working out, but not surprised.

    Parent

    That may say as much about Krugman... (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by lambert on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 08:17:50 PM EST
    ... as it does about the AEI.

    Krugman's smart, and there's that Nobel thing, he's got integrity, and he's not a weasel.

    That said, the country has moved a good deal left since Bush, and Krugman has pretty much stayed where he was. He doesn't stand out as the sole Cassandra now.

    And his coverage on health care has been very, very disappointing.

    Parent

    I could not disagree more: (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by coigue on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 08:30:23 PM EST
    I do not think the country has moved left, and I specifically think that Krugman's approach recognizes this fact and takes it into an account by advising an incremental approach.

    Parent
    I think the country is ahead of Versailles (none / 0) (#96)
    by lambert on Fri Jul 31, 2009 at 09:26:54 AM EST
    So I think Krugman's views are a lagging indicator.

    Parent
    you're delusional. (none / 0) (#97)
    by coigue on Fri Jul 31, 2009 at 11:44:38 AM EST


    Parent
    Well, time will tell (none / 0) (#100)
    by lambert on Sat Aug 01, 2009 at 07:12:30 PM EST
    Many Cassandras were called delusional, and have turned out to be right.

    Parent
    no. You are delusional (none / 0) (#103)
    by coigue on Thu Aug 06, 2009 at 03:21:16 PM EST
    about Krugman being right of where most Americans are right now. Thus, time will not tell.

    Parent
    That's up in the air (none / 0) (#55)
    by ColumbiaDuck on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:41:24 PM EST
    Some Republicans believe they need to say they support "reform" because they don't want to be seen as tone-deaf.  But they have put out almost nothing that would achieve any sort of reform - just more tax credits and no curtail on insurers.  It's hard to believe they are serious about "reform" without actually making any moves to ... you know ... reform anything.

    Plus during the six years when we had a Republican Congress and President and health care crisis, all we got out of them was Medicare Part D.  Which made a lot of the problems worse.

    Parent

    I agree. (none / 0) (#58)
    by coigue on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:48:40 PM EST
    My position is: put it out there, and if they spit on you...learn from it and act accordingly.

    Parent
    True (none / 0) (#54)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:36:33 PM EST
    But we do need some of them in order to pass legislation. Hillary was known to be quite the master at bipartisanship maneuverings.

    Parent
    We'll see (none / 0) (#56)
    by ColumbiaDuck on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:44:41 PM EST
    The person who was the best at this was LBJ and he got what he wanted out of fear as much as anything else.  Obama could go that route (or he could have when he was more popular) but campaigning in recalitrant representatives districts, but choose not to.

    But the idea that Republicans will just give ground to a major Democratic victory because "it's the right thing to do" is nice but doesn't bear much resemblance to the current Republican party.  

    Parent

    LBJ (5.00 / 2) (#60)
    by jbindc on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:48:41 PM EST
    had cred because he had been the Majority Leader, Minority Leader and Majority Whip (besides being VP).  He paid his dues in the Senate.  

    I don't think Obama could have ever pulled off the "fear" thing.

    Parent

    I don't know (none / 0) (#61)
    by ColumbiaDuck on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:51:18 PM EST
    George W. Bush scared the bejebus out of blue dog democrats by campaigning heavily for his 2001 tax plan.  He had the advantage of actually having a plan, but he arm-twisted pretty good.

    POS bill, of course, but fear worked for him and he'd spent most of the preceeding six years playing video games and napping in Austin.

    Parent

    Yes (none / 0) (#59)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:48:40 PM EST
    More than "nice" is needed to make bipartisanship work. A little arm twisting is in order with a touch of blackmail, for lack of a better word..  

    Parent
    Actually the strange thing is that polling doesn't (none / 0) (#68)
    by Socraticsilence on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:07:43 PM EST
    indicate a zero-sum scenario- while Obama and the Democratic Party in general has fallen- the GOP has if anything fallen faster and harder- in most Democracies this would be regarded as an opening for a viable third party- or a coalition of smaller parties- but given the way our Government is structured it doesn't seem to mean anything unless the GOP suddenly collapses from its current 25-35% share of the electorate (Democrats currently at 35-45%- with no really large switch possible unless the GOP begins to appeal to hispanics or suddenly gets 60%+ of the White Vote- something not even Reagan in 1984 achieved).

    Parent
    Elections (5.00 / 2) (#79)
    by ColumbiaDuck on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:36:32 PM EST
    Are zero sum.  Which is why the Republicans have no incentive to help pass the Democratic agenda.  They do not want us to succeed - it is bad for them.  

    Right now people don't like them.  But the Republicans are counting on blaming Democrats for all our problems in 2010.  And only one person can win each seat (whereas both can be hated in approval polls).

    Parent

    Unity Schtick is working just fine (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:06:38 PM EST
    for the Blue Dogs and the Republicans in the House and Senate. They get what they want and the progressive Democrats are ignored and abandoned.

    Don't forget Wall Street ... (5.00 / 4) (#80)
    by Robot Porter on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 05:39:21 PM EST
    the Unity Schtick also provides cover for Obama's wholesale acquiescence to them.


    Parent
    A case can easily be made (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by hookfan on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:45:14 PM EST
    that Obama is really the first Suited black President. He is owned by the suits, but uses the black to distract and cover.
     When the black and hispanic working class realizes what is going on rather than the glittery racial distractions, Obama is going to have a dicey time. It's high time for the working class to stand up to this and demand change that is substantial for their economic situation, not just words for racial "teaching moments".

    Parent
    But here's the rub: (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by pluege on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 06:15:21 PM EST
    In the end, if Obama and Democrats do some good governing, they'll continue to win.

    In the US its only the perception of "doing good or bad governing". Whether Obama accomplishes good or crappy healthcare changes, does good or bad on civil rights, or has any real impact on the economy regardless of how Americans are actually doing, its only the perception of the results as spun, butchered, dissembled, and manipulated by the corporate media, a.k.a. GOP media, a.k.a. MSM that matters.

    Americans will think what they are told on tv, and what they are and will be told by the corporate media, regardless of facts is that Obama's healthcare reform is bad; Obama's economic policies failed and hurt the economy; not to mention ruined America's future (never mind the $620 billion ANNUAL republican pork barrel project known as "the defense" budget that purchases flushing America's wealth down the toilet for 50 years producing almost nothing of value or useful); America is weaker, poorer, less important, less clever, and generally ruined all because of Obama.

    meanwhile (none / 0) (#4)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 02:57:54 PM EST
    negative approvals in VA. Not good.

    I'm wondering why (none / 0) (#8)
    by Cream City on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:00:40 PM EST
    only 88 percent of Virginians are either male or female.

    Parent
    Don't see what you mean (none / 0) (#9)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:01:49 PM EST
    Look at the bottom: the composition adds up to 100%.

    Parent
    Ah, got it. (none / 0) (#17)
    by Cream City on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:11:27 PM EST
    I really ought to do more than glance at such stuff, but it matters so little.  Look where his polls were before the last campaign.  Now he has incumbency  -- plus the way that health care "reform" is going, the Dems will probably get even more millions from big pharmas to spend on manipulating the media.

    And we still will end up without what people thought they were voting for. . . .

    Parent

    I haven't really been surprised by anything (none / 0) (#20)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:13:46 PM EST
    Disappointed occasionally, but not surprised.

    And I still think healthcare has a decent chance of passing. Unlike others here, I think the Waxman compromise is acceptable--though it isn't the final product.

    Parent

    Honestly, I think the Waxman compromise (none / 0) (#33)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:34:31 PM EST
    is the bottom line. Whatever the House comes up with will have to be reconciled with the Senate bill (assuming there is one).

    Parent
    If it's the bottom line (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by Cream City on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:41:00 PM EST
    then it's not really much reform.  Not that anyone will realize it in 2012.

    Parent
    We are already 61 years behind (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by MO Blue on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 08:35:24 PM EST
    the UK on health care. Do we need to take another 61 years to provide national health care?

    Parent
    We have talked about it almost (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by Cream City on Fri Jul 31, 2009 at 12:35:23 AM EST
    60 years now.  Truman tried for it.

    Parent
    Disagree (none / 0) (#37)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:42:33 PM EST
    But time will tell.

    Parent
    I think this is hopeful... (none / 0) (#98)
    by sallywally on Sat Aug 01, 2009 at 11:27:58 AM EST
    and there is the possibility that because attention has been aimed at the two styles of coverage, people could be paying more attention after the "reform" is put in place. And maybe more people will begin to understand (1) how much better the govt-run programs are in every way than the private insurers, and (2) how high a percentage of health coverage is already provided thru govt-run programs (including congress and their own Republicans in Congress who rail against it but don't refuse it for themselves, people may be ready to expand as in the UK.

    They may begin to see that we already have proof that govt-run programs work here in the US and that we have a framework in place to just expand these programs to everyone.

    Parent

    It is tough (none / 0) (#12)
    by eric on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:06:10 PM EST
    to figure these polls out, though, because you can't tell if why people disapprove.  If you asked me, for example, I might say that I disapprove because I do not think that Obama is being forceful enough, that he has not done enough for the left, and that he hasn't given up on bipartisanship.

    Now, my disapproval is mixed in with all the other people that don't like him because they think he is too liberal or socialist or whatever.  But when it comes down to it, I am on his side, I just think he needs to step it up a bit.

    Parent

    Sounds good, but my experience (none / 0) (#14)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:08:42 PM EST
    is that a net negative approval is just bad. he's getting 83% approval from Democrats and liberals. It doesn't go much higher than that.

    One thing you could say is that the sample for this poll is cruddy, and that's based on the NoVA figures, but who knows. It says what it says.

    Parent

    Perhaps, an even better (none / 0) (#25)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:23:53 PM EST
    indicia of trouble than polls will be when the Democrats start courting gay women and men again.

    Parent
    There might well be an enthusiasm problem (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:24:27 PM EST


    Parent
    True. And, certainly not offering (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:28:30 PM EST


    Parent
    True (none / 0) (#28)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:29:29 PM EST
    (forget the rest, errata)

    Parent
    They could solve the problem (none / 0) (#29)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:30:29 PM EST
    by making an effort. It really wouldn't be that hard or controversial to frustrate enforcement of DADT, for example.

    Parent
    Very true. (none / 0) (#31)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:31:46 PM EST


    Parent
    Did you see this (none / 0) (#35)
    by nycstray on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:39:57 PM EST
    at huffpo?

    Parent
    Saw it elsewhere (none / 0) (#38)
    by andgarden on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:42:52 PM EST
    Par for the course.

    Parent
    Here's the headline of the poll: (none / 0) (#15)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:09:56 PM EST
    Obama's Ratings Slide Across the Board
    The Economy, Health Care Reform and Gates Grease the Skids
    But they do not slide across the board (5.00 / 0) (#18)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:12:47 PM EST
    partisan-wise.

    It is rather silly to ignore what happened.

    Republicans discovered hey, we really do not like Democratic policies.

    And Independents still favor Obama by 11%.

    Hell he as a 54% approval rating which is strong.

    It's just that this is what it is.

    Now go govern.  

    Parent

    Pretty sure everything hinges on (5.00 / 6) (#32)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:31:51 PM EST
    outcome of tonight's photo op at the WH.  

    Parent
    Snark no longer (5.00 / 4) (#39)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:45:22 PM EST
    permitted at this site . . .

    Parent
    Love your post title... (5.00 / 2) (#41)
    by Edger on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:47:53 PM EST
    ... too. ;-)

    Parent
    This one, or . . . . (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by oculus on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:54:49 PM EST


    Parent
    Heh! (5.00 / 2) (#43)
    by Edger on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:55:57 PM EST
    Stop that! ;-)

    Parent
    Go in peace (none / 0) (#49)
    by coigue on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:23:43 PM EST
    and snark no longer.

    Parent
    Very slanted headline. n/t. (5.00 / 1) (#99)
    by sallywally on Sat Aug 01, 2009 at 11:30:38 AM EST


    Parent
    What Ingrates (none / 0) (#34)
    by squeaky on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 03:38:51 PM EST
    After Obama has been so nice and ingratiating to all those GOPers, low ratings are all they have to thank him with??

    No more Mr Nice guy....  lol

    We'll see.  

    bud lights all around (5.00 / 5) (#50)
    by coigue on Thu Jul 30, 2009 at 04:25:15 PM EST
    time for a WH kegger with the Democrats and the Republicans.

    Do you think anyone will dance, or will they just whisper and giggle together in groups?

    Parent

    Now that (5.00 / 1) (#95)
    by Cream City on Fri Jul 31, 2009 at 12:36:17 AM EST
    made me laugh.  Perfect metaphor.

    Parent
    Haw (none / 0) (#101)
    by lambert on Sat Aug 01, 2009 at 07:13:38 PM EST
    Good one. I go for whispering and giggling, but with, er, devices involved.

    Parent
    How's That Post-Partisan Unity Schtick Working Out? | 101 comments (101 topical)

    Readers Must Login or Create an Account to Comment