Politics Obama - Actually doing a good job?

Well, it looks like Chuck Hagel is out...forced out.
However, I've always thought that Hagel was brought in not for being a forceful SecDef, but as a person to direct the Afghanistan finish and sequestration and DoD draw down. Make it more fiscally efficient.

BUT, fate had different plans for Obama, Hagel and the US...there was no way to predict ISIS, Ebola, Putin's aggressions and so on.
It was like the perfect storm of foreign crisis...where the DoD would actually be used strategically.

If I were Obama, I'd actually nominate former 4-star general Petraeus...and despite his one discrete affair...the GOP led Congress would likely find that doable...and the man is a machine. (a very smart machine)
He's going to have a hell of a time getting a new SecDef thru the nomination process otherwise. (the person will have to be bulletproof)

But I won't be able to keep up with all the up & downs and pawn/knight movements over the next two years. There's too much.

So hang on for a ride...
This is going to something to watch and read with popcorn.

 

Looks like Obama is whipping his Magnum out on everyone. (both GOP & Dems)
Do you feel lucky, punks?? Well, do ya?

Obama Threatens To Veto Corporate Tax Cut Deal For Locking Out Middle Class

Even Reid & Schummer are pissed at him for this (since they have their own state perks in it) ...but not the more progressive set, Elizabeth Warren included. (who are arguing about looking out for everyone, not just the poor & rich)

Looks like Obama really doesn't give a flying fig about either side anymore.
The GOP is the constant pain. (even to their own pain)
And the Dems who threw him under the bus for the election (which backfired on them anyway)

2 years, with no election for him...he's been unchained.
This is going to be interesting.

 

Who knows what the public will think initially...it's how the media will spin it.
The public will likely follow that.

It's how it goes these days...for things they don't really understand or care about.
Most don't watch the SotU.

And I don't think Obama would care...and actually, he's good enough that he'll likely make it beneficial to him, like he just did with immigration.
People are just tired of the bullshit...and from what most are seeing, Obama is working...and the Congress is playing games.
It's theirs to lose...not Obama's

He can retire with no regrets if he chooses.
And good news for him, the economy keeps chuggin' and getting better...and the clients are happy with the product at least. (consumer sentiment)

 

Obama's new likely Sec of Defense...looks interesting
Ashton Carter's Pentagon Agenda

Hagel was put in when it was thought he would be mostly focusing on reduction of forces and DoD assets (sequestration, getting the audit done finally, etc...)
But he didn't click with Mr. O and his court...clashed with policy and didn't react fast for unexpected urgent global matters where the military was found necessary.

This one, technocrat...an inside player, knows the DoD web...seemingly non-partisan.
But won't conflict in policy with the White House.
Since it is Obama that sets the strategy and tactics...and knows where he wants to move on (by previous patterns) ...he just needs someone who can execute...and give him options. (without clashing)

If where he's envisioning this, this seems like a good pick. Hopefully he's right on the money.

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Y'know...in many ways, I like and encourage change of leadership in the President.
But in another way, I wish we could have talented and intelligent leaders stay longer (yes I know many disagree, but then again someone ALWAYS disagrees no matter who we're talking about )
...where they can leverage their lessons learned and learning curve to tweak the Executive dynamics and structure that much more.

8 years is really not a long time in Federal Government terms. (although I'm sure they'd like to get out of the firing range by the end of it)
That big and complex of a structure is a challenge to steer and get going. (meaning the WHOLE American government...and all it's connections, it's HUGE)
And having to get Congress to cooperate and embedded bureaucrats to move can take it that much longer...to coax and push.

It's kind of like my experience with the game Civilization...where I can adjust over time, tweaking and improving my style and deal with my weak points.

Politically, the Presidency is a 4 or 8 year firestorm you want to escape ASAP...there's only so long they can last or get any approval/cooperation
Logistically, 4 to 8 years is a drop in the bucket.
The changes one makes may not be felt for good or bad for years...and you cannot tell the affect either way until later.

A good example is GWB...some of the things many attacked him on...actually turned out to be the right thing. (some weren't too...but much more than his detractors gave him credit for at the time)

So Obama is certainly capable, much more so than his opponents would even admit...so I wonder what the path of the huge ship will be.
Much less trying to find the best people to help execute his steering. (which is a crapshoot at times...or situations/dynamics change)
Like trying to be a GM of a professional sports team. (but WAY worse )

 

Well, I don't want to pull anyone away from the torture thread...but I do want to put a smile on your face in compensation. (Yin/Yang folks...)

Obama on the Colbert Report

Y'gotta hand it to him, he's got a sense of humor and timing.

BTW...knowing the "spending freak" that he is...from the WSJ (that "liberal" news company)
The Federal Government Now Employs the Fewest People Since 1966

 

Ok...this is what I've been saying for a LONG time...

Reality = Perception NOT
Obama has got be the worst self-marketer for his ideas, goals and accomplishments.
And US citizens have got to be the most fickle, out of touch group EVER (a little hyperbole there for ya...but at least I didn't go Godwin)

Politicians have their own agenda...whether by bias or bought by lobbyists. So they will go their own way, say what they will say.
The media will do whatever catches their attention and sells....so they will do what they will do.
But what about the public??

I guess they're in their own little worlds, doing their own little thing...and will hear what they will hear. (so repetition works...)

Which is why Obama's agenda hype SUCKS.
Sure, he can wax philosophic...or even toot his own horn.
But he can't sell ice to Eskimos.
And in this environment...that's what you need to be able to do.

Hell, you need to be able to sell healthcare to the sick...even. (who would have thought?? )

 

Y'know...part of me wants more diversity in the Presidency...because of the principle of the thing,
but I really do think that it would be better in the long run.

BUT, to be frank...another part of me wants them to vote in another "white guy" just to make it all go back to "sanity" or "normal" (as opposed to what we've seen during Obama's term...not thru any fault of his own for the most part)
HOWEVER...then I remember what they did during Bill Clinton's term...
And realize we're just fucked until it all gets better.

So it is irrelevant the President's race, creed or sex.
Those in opposition will attack...those who are incompetent or selfish may screw things up.

So, that being said...I hope the President keeps trying their best.

No matter what you think of his policy or execution...at least he's up there doing the deed and facing the storm. (day after day)
And that's the first thing I want.
I hate it when they hide.
IMHO

And here's the weird part...it IS getting better...for at least the nation as a whole.
And for "typical" citizens...as a trend, bit by bit... (although...you individually may be screwed)
DESPITE the clusterfuck.

Go figure.

Makes me think about how bad it really was "back then" in comparison.
Geez.

 

Actually, from both sides.
But she's gaining momentum and influence. - Link

Run, Liz, Run...actually, I prefer Hillary to her as president. (I don't know who they're going to have for the GOP or otherwise)
But she'd be a interesting add into the mix...fighting for some civilian rights and protections. (not just Wall Street)

I've been always a big believer in the balance.
There should be checks on all sides...yes, it adds to the hassle...but there are too many abuses and presumptions made otherwise.
Not too much on citizen and employee privs,
but not too much leeway in corporate power and influence.

Warren is probably the most visible player on corporate overrun.
Although there are likely others...but I don't think they're shouting it out or putting down a line in the sand...at the moment.

Actually, either side could easily leverage her points.
The Dems and Liberals from a progressive context.
The GOP and Tea Party from a libertarian context.

I wonder if there is actually going to be a swing towards attacking business interests and influence??
That would be ironic despite their increased benefit from the economy at the moment.

But actually, that would make sense in a way...where many of the powers that be didn't want to upset the apple cart after The Great Recession and the recovery (and added to it for some "stimulus")
and they'd allow it or feel more comfortable dealing with it if it looked like they were battling a healthy beast which is rampaging and killing the flock. (not a wounded one)

We'll see what happens.

 

And I love it...as noted in the article from her blog

And yes, corporations did not build it...the infrastructure they use daily to help make their profits.
And now, they aren't maintaining it...the American taxpayer is...why? Because they aren't paying their taxes as typical citizens do. (they've got every loophole you can think of...some don't pay at all, despite making BILLIONS)

Everyone, everything that is in US territory should pay to that tax base at the same rate of their income level. Period.

Thank god, the Obama administration is actually enforcing the rules and closing the loopholes...going after the long-time large-scale tax evaders
And if you don't want taxes...then make reduce the deficit and debt...and make the reduction the same for everyone, everything.
Basic Math, Basic Law

 

Obama's big Clinton moment

Ok, you compromised your far left's agenda for pragmatic cooperation with those opponents from the right...to increase fiscal improvement and continuing government.
Great job.
Clinton was considered successful because of it...and now one of the "best" presidents ever.

But PLEASE don't celebrate it the same way.
No intern hummers for you.
No "outlier" touching either.

As a matter of fact, be careful to not do ANYTHING to fuck it all up.
Because they are just waiting for any reason to impeach your ass.

It's amazing how many do stupid stuff and fall into a trap. (not like you're going to do a selfie of your crotch and twitter it, are you??)

 

Senate approves Obama pick for surgeon general

About fuckin' time. (...since July 2013)

An immigrant Indian who's against the NRA agenda and for Obamacare...the GOP must be having fits
I don't care, as long as he's smart and good. That's what we need.

I think I roll my eyes so much in this section, I'm going to have to use Obamacare.
The Surgeon General should recommend a warning label before viewing politics. (could be dangerous to your mental well-being...)

 

Ted Cruz is all about himself...and himself alone...and getting face-time. The Paris Hilton of Congress. (which is ironic, since you'd think most of the rest of them are that way...but to his extent)

 

This is big...

U.S. and Cuba to Start Talks on Normalizing Relations

If it goes well, lots of money and resource flowing both ways.
I wonder if this signals that Castro is about to "go beyond" or is really "not there".

The US has been lingering on this for years for some reason, even beyond our ex-enemies Russia, Germany, Japan and China. (I have an idea why, but that's extreme speculation...and it will be revealed sooner or later)
But at least Obama is finally bringing this relationship into the modern era.
About fuckin' time.

 

I can see Cuba becoming more like China. Amenable to capital markets but still governing with communism/socialism. Basically, a shift from a predominately planned economy to a socialist market economy.

It will be good for business for both parties. Cuba has a lot to offer in the way of tourism and medical services.

 

Actually, from what I've read Cuban communistic philosophy was more like Mao and China...but Castro went with Russia because they willing to support them with munitions and such.
Che Guevara was said to have pulled away from Castro because he wanted to be more like China back then.
But Russia came in and put their "way" of doing things in. And of course, then you got the Cuban Missile Crisis...and at the end, Castro was pissed at Russia for settling.

I'd say it may even go farther after the Castro brothers are fully out of power...but it will take a long time before it fully converts and normalizes.

It's almost like the world has flip-flopped, Cuba is coming out...and Russia has fallen back.
And China is just trying to deal with it's own growth and size.

I hope it all shakes out in the end. That would be cool for everyone. (except Fidel and Putin, that is)