Wednesday, August 19, 2009
A theory:Atrios writes: The "Republicans don't want to pass anything" point was painfully obviously true months ago. So what was the point of all of this crap? [Obama doing the bipartisan outreach] Here are some possible reasons: - People's memory fade and the earlier non-cooperation by Republicans was largely forgotten.
- Bipartisan advocates (e.g. David Broder) demand that bipartisanship be attemped for each and every issue, Previous failures with outreach, it could be argued, were policy-specific and not due to the Republicans' strategy of "No". (You have to be pretty dim to believe that, but such people exist.)
- Outreach->RepublicanRejection->PureDemocraticBill means that the debate is strictly within the Democratic party, and that advantages liberals.
- It never hurts to continually emphasize that Republicans are not cooperative. Are not part of the process (when they reject bipartisan outreach). This could ahve effects in 2010
- Blue Dogs power is diminished now that their right flank (Republicans) are out of the picture (via the outreach strategy)
posted by Quiddity at 8/19/2009 08:14:00 AM
4 comments
I suspect there is something of a rope-a-dope strategy to this from the beginning, or give 'em enough rope if you will. Obama has, in effect, let the Republicans expose themselves as extremists unwilling to compromise for the good of the country. He has polarized and isolated the opposition, that is, if he can get a good bill through Congress.
The crazies have identified themselves as in the Terri Schiavo incident. It may work out to Obama's and our benefit. Or not.
it's not hard to imagine strategic reasons for doing so. the above make sense.
but i also read "bipartisan" as code for making room for corporate allowances.
what i don't get are critics who are more comfortable in accusing obama of being naive. could somebody naive have won the election?
Liberal: Here! I've prepared a tasty crap sandwich I'm sure you will enjoy!
Conservative: I don't want a crap sandwich.
Liberal: I'm perfectly willing to meet you half way. Here is a tasty crap salad sandwich with mayonnaise blended in with the crap. On whole wheat bread.
Conservative: But it's still a crap sandwich and I don't want a cr...
Liberal: With tomato. Final offer.
Conservative: No
Liberal: Obstructionist!
mr. crap sandwich, then republicans should stop claiming that they too want to reform the system. or pretend they are negotiating on good faith in various committees.
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