Very simple question about FISA.

[Occam Bandage]

If the FISA outrage is truly about principle--that is to say, if it's about doing the right thing for America instead of doing what is politically expedient or what plays best for the cameras--why, exactly, is the focus of this outrage the high-profile but relatively-powerless Senator Obama instead of the lower-profile but politically-powerful Senator Reid?

[JVS]

1. With a lot of the criticism, it is very telling to remember what their allegiance is.

[Occam Bandage]

2. I'm not interested in trying to ferret out secret 'allegiances.' I want to know why

people are saying "it's about principles over politics," while they target the highest-profile Senator instead of the most-influential Senator.

[JVS]

6. It's not a matter of ferreting out. Consider the source, and the answer will often become clear.

[rockymountaindem]

3. Because one of them wants to be President and one of them does not

Therefore, the actions of the one who wants to be President suggest the type of stances his administration would take should he become President. That's important. The actions of Sen. Reid suggest he will continue the type of behavior he's shown us since last year which, unfortunately, has disappointed a lot of us but doesn't come as much of a surprise.

[Occam Bandage]

5. So, it's about positioning for (and beyond) the November elections then?

Doesn't that blow an enormous hole in the "this is all about principles / defending the Constitution" argument?

[dkf]

8. Its about our knowing that our future President will defend the constitution.

And that he will respect it and treat it better than George W. Bush ever did.

It is about understanding where Barack Obama's heart lies regarding the rule of law.

Obama is in danger of doing what Hillary did...she voted for the Iraq War to position herself to run for the Presidency. Now she knows that was a bad idea.

[Runcible Spoon]

10. are people intellectually unable to recognize that a problem like this has many facets?

I don't understand why you are forcing this either/or characterization..are you trying to trap someone into an "AHA! Logical discordance!" moment? :shrug:

It's about principles. It's about Obama. It's about Obama's principles.

Not quite sure what is so confusing about thinking Obama supporting FISA is a disaster from any number of angles.

[Tatiana]

4. Frenchie has a post addressing this very issue.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6400838

[GoldieAZ49]

7. Is Obama the leader of the Democratic Party

as the presumptive nominee or is Reid?


Has Reid already shown what kind 'leader' he is and just how much 'power' he has?

Now it is Obama's turn.

[Runcible Spoon]

9. I'm only answering for myself.

If I am tougher on Obama, it's because I think there's a fairly good chance that he might listen to the people. Hence the phone calls and the emails and the incessant DU posts. I have called my own reps and senators, but they do not nearly have as much visibility. The whole "Obama is just one vote and it's gonna pass anyway" is a canard. He is most likely our next president. That kind of visibility carries a lot of power with it.

Obama has a chance to shake up the rank and file, and perhaps show Dems that if they go against the establishment now, they will have support when he is in office.

With Reid, it's just a foregone conclusion; DLC business as usual.

[davidpdx]

11. This is one of the best principled arguments I've heard on FISA

While I think some are being too hard on him given no vote has occurred, I agree that standing for his principals now will make it easier to do so in the future.