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Chris Bowers to Matthews: Obama Said He Would Govern in Bi-Partisan Fashion

Posted by Staff at 7:25 AM on December 2, 2008.


Why Obama isn't betraying the left with his early appointments.
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From Hardball Dec. 1, 2008 when asking if the left should feel betrayed by Obama's appointments Chris Bowers from OpenLeft responds to Matthews by saying:

I don't think he's betraying it. I think, I mean first of all he hasn't become President so it's difficult to see how he's failed to deliver on any campaign promises so far but he, he didn't say he was going to govern from the left during his campaign. He had some progressive rhetoric, but he said he was going to govern in a bi-partisan fashion. He repeatedly said that throughout 2007 and 2008, so I don't feel betrayed.

Matthews moves on and changes the subject. It's always nice to see someone knock him off of his talking points if only for a moment. Matthews is desperate for a fight where there is none yet and Chris Bowers is right, it is difficult to see how Obama has failed to deliver on any promises since he's not President yet. Can we at least wait until he's sworn in and see how he governs before having this conversation Chris Matthews? The Villagers are just chomping at the bit to skewer bloggers and the progressive wing of the Democratic party at every opportunity.


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I'm disappointed in Obama
[Report this comment]
Posted by: sliver on Dec 2, 2008 8:11 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I would also like at least one progressive in the cabinet. Ideally progressives should make up more than half of the cabinet. But Obama is just being what he has always been, a corporate centrist.

I do feel betrayed by the progressive voters who didn't realize this or didn't want to believe it. Yes, I am happy Obama will be president, but I don't have any progressive hopes for him.

The corporate media shut the only progressive voice, Dennis Kucinich, out of the presidential debates, and they got the corporate candidate they wanted.

p.s. Good job by Chris Bowers, just keep your eyes focused on the camera next time.

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If I have to hear...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: JoshuaLudd on Dec 2, 2008 8:58 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
One more idiot talking about how disapointed they are, what a letdown Obama has been, how he has failed as president, etc... TWO MONTHS BEFORE HE HAS EVEN TAKEN OFFICE I fear I may very well scream.

The swarm of sharks nipping at Obama since the election is just more proof that our media is NOT liberal... or anything but a ludicrous, sad joke.

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Obama may surprise progressives
[Report this comment]
Posted by: peacelf on Dec 2, 2008 9:29 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
After reading both of Obama's books, one thing stands out in his politics, besides his eloquent writing skills, i.e. he is very sensitive to the needs of the people, especially the poor and disenfranchised. He clearly is interested in The People's democracy.

I say this as one who normally votes Nader or Green Party. I wouldn't say, though, that Obama is secretly progressive. I would say he is politically and rhetorically smart, governing from the genuine center, which leans to the left on economic issues and is more center-left on social and military concerns, based on real polls. Thus, Obama's choices for cabinet meet those requirements.

Moreover, as Obama pointed out himself, the buck stops with him. He will make the final decisions. Selecting a cabinet that offers a variety of opinions is how Obama crafts his arguments for the center-left agenda he hopes to push forward.

Ultimately, it's going to come down to the people participating, calling our congressional leaders or hitting the streets when necessary to show support or opposition to policy.

I believe Obama will listen. That's why I voted for him.

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Why didn't Obama prevent WWII
[Report this comment]
Posted by: hardwroc on Dec 3, 2008 10:12 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm like the rest of you, I"m so let down that he didn't prevent World War II. And what has he done since we elected him, why, he didn't prevent the recession that he caused a year ago either.
Why I think I"ll vote for that brillian governor Palin next chance I get.
Or we could offer a cash donation to Exxon, so they could conitnue their benevolence to the poor.

OK, maybe the sarcasm is excessive, but, please note, Obama will be sworn in 1-20-09 and that's still in the future.
You can start your bitchin and complaining then. In the meantime, please note, that if any of his cabinet members do not live up to his expectations, (HIS) then he can remove them. So, whatever their personal feelings are, they will need to remember his when working for US.
Now sit down, buckle up, and keep it quiet while we try to save the country and world here.

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