Series of small wins buoys Obama agenda

[babylonsister]

How did this ever get by the 'demanding standards' of the WaTimes?

Series of small wins buoys Obama agenda
'No drama' administration savors victories quietly

By Matthew Mosk THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Originally published 04:45 a.m., August 9, 2009, updated 09:44 a.m., August 9, 2009


Through the din of town-hall meeting protests, President Obama quietly negotiated his way to a series of low-key victories last week, capped off Saturday with the swearing-in of Judge Sonia Sotomayor, his first pick for the U.S. Supreme Court.

The week began with the unexpected images of former President Bill Clinton on North Korean soil, where he helped to secure the release of two captive American journalists. Then came legislation to bolster the popular cash-for-clunkers auto-rebate program, which swiftly wended its way toward passage.

While senators shuttled back and forth to the West Wing to discuss health care reform, they allowed time to make Judge Sotomayor the nation's 111th justice on the fast-moving schedule Mr. Obama sought, ensuring she is seated for a full fall caseload.

The president returned the favor with a Rose Garden speech Friday recognizing the first hints of positive employment news, saying he thinks the economy is "back from the brink" and he "can see a light at the end of the tunnel."

As all this unfolded, intelligence reports were giving early indications that Pakistan's Taliban chief and a top al Qaeda bomb maker had been killed.

The successes were piling up so fast, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine told The Washington Times on Saturday "that, frankly, we've hardly had time to really savor or celebrate."

Scholars studying the presidency said the bountiful week was impressive by just about any standard.

Darrell M. West, director of governance studies at the Brookings Institute, said he viewed it as especially beneficial, given the timing.

"This is a huge boon to the president's legislative agenda because it gives members good news they can take back home at a crucial time in the health care debate," Mr. West said.

more...

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/09/series-of-small-wins-buoys-obama-agenda/?page=2

[opihimoimoi]

1. While them Brown Shirt Bullies Rant and Rave incoherently, Pres Obama keeps on Ticking

[grantcart]

2. "small" lol

Well another 'small' win is Sen. Martinez abrupt resignation.


I guess the Washington Times considers the possibility of complete and possibly permanent alienation of Hispanic America to all things Republican a 'small thing'.

[Tarheel_Dem]

3. Expectedly, the Klan rallies at these townhalls, is all we're privvy to from the M$M.

I admire the administration's "no drama" approach. We saw it during the primaries, and it continues to this day. While the president was being admonished by progressives for not jumping up & down, and turning red in the face, he was calmly & quietly working his way to the win. His no-fuss, anti-confrontational style left many opponents off balance and confused, and it still seems to be working effectively.

[Scarsdale Vibe]

4. The Klan rallies are good for healthcare reform

If you're an independent that is somewhat confused about all the healthcare bills passing through Congress and the only thing you see are the images on the nightly news, you're not going to side with the crazy people. Obama's poll numbers and the poll numbers for healthcare reform will rise throughout August.