Sorry...But

[Steely_Dan]

I really wanted Obama to be a lot tougher on the Repugs in his speech this morning. He needs to draw and quarter them verbally so that the American people know where he stands.

[Enrique]

1. be grateful for what he does do

he's doing damage to his brand by appearing so partisan.

[Steely_Dan]

2. Yes...

You know, our President is so talented when it comes to the spoken word. He has opportunities.

[BrklynLiberal]

3. Ingratiating oneself to one's enemies serves no useful purpose.

They see it as weak and laughable, and ones allies see it as an infuriating betrayal.

Once again, Mr. Obama appears to be in the role of Charlie Brown to the repukes' Lucy

[Steely_Dan]

4. Not more than a few....

days ago, the President sounded very tough on the Repugs. I thought it was going to be a turning point where we were going to nail the other side, exposing them for what they are. I like President Obama. I support him. However, we need a stronger message so that the American people understand the truth.

[BrklynLiberal]

7. I agree with you 100%..I support him, but wish he sounded more like the

candidate Obama I voted for.

[kirby]

5. See

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=8773976&mesg_id=8774008

[gateley]

9. Right, but they still needed to be spanked. As does Nelson. nt

[zipplewrath]

6. Sen. Nelson

Kinda hard to be tough on Repugs when your own senator is aiding them.

[gateley]

8. I was thinking the same thing -- that when he went into the part

about "and we need to extend unemployment benefits for people like Steely Dan, who..." really lacked a personal feeling -- lacked passion. And this is a passionate, emotional issue! He's SO good at that, I felt a little 'meh' at his delivery. I agree, I hope the American people realize WHY they're not getting their unemployment checks this week. But enough of my armchair critiquing.

The GOOD thing is, he's pushing for this extension and I think he'll be successful.

[Steely_Dan]

10. It Is Good...

to see you again, my friend.

[gateley]

12. Whenever I see your username here,

it brings a smile to my face. Good to see you, too. :pals:

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

14. I'm a huge Steely Dan fan, so kudos to you!

Perhaps the president could have been tougher, but I guess there's more to come on that.

We have months to go before the elections. Perhaps he's saving the best for last.

I would argue, however, that the president can't do everything himself. It's the cowardly Democrats who MUST fight back hard and forcefully against these Repukes because they are enjoying a great deal of airtime.

Nancy Pelosi--hate her or love her--has been Fighter #1!!!

[Steely_Dan]

15. Yes, there is still time...

And I hope that the message will get out there that the Regugs are hurting the American people.

Yeah...I've been a SD fan since the 70's. They are by far one of the most uner-rated bands of all time. Their music complex and fine turned. However, it is their lyrics that is (IMHO) the hallmark of their work.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

17. Donald Fagen is a GOD! Were it not for my parents who exposed me to all kinds of music

growing up, I don't think I would have the same level of appreciation for the TRUE ART that is Steely Dan. Love them.

But yes, the Democratic Party as a whole needs to fight back hard because they have the issues on their side. The Republicans have nothing but mindless, incoherent talking points and wedge issues. They are trying very hard to make the election about Obama and race rather than the issues. And Republicans tend to succeed on wedge issues when Democrats don't hit back HARD and FORCEFULLY!!!

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

11. Understand that there is always a double-standard when it comes to Dems and Reps.

Republicans are allowed to be viciously partisan. Democrats are not.

He did what he could do and that was to make a strong, comparative distinction between the two major political parties.

Had he gone further than that and became too forceful, rest assured that the M$M--partial to Repukes--would be calling him "aggressive," coded for "angry black man."

[Steely_Dan]

13. I actually agree with you...

He is not allowed to be the "angry black man." He is faced with hurdles that might not present themselves to another President. I remember stating long before the election that these hurdles would exist and that it would take a special person to overcome them. In some cases, President Obama has exceeded my expectation. However, in many other areas, I have been disappointed.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

16. I'm right there with you on your latter point. When he confronted the Republicans

during the health care debate when he appeared before them, he ripped them a new one. He made the Republicans look like the fools they are. But, in other instances--most instances--he just doesn't seem to have the same degree of "fight" in him. He's not as convincing or compelling when it comes to the bully pulpit. It is very frustrating for me.

But then again, I maintain that he is probably very tired as well, and needs for the leadership and members from his own party to stand and fight with him. It doesn't help to have Harry Reid running off at the mouth about how the president is timid and non-confrontational. It doesn't help to have Democrats attacking other Democrats--or, signing on to Republican talking points about deficit spending, extending unemployment benefits, and such.

We need a strong, resolute Democratic Party. All too often, the Democrats are far too accommodating to Republicans, and that includes the president. It is absolutely stunning and quite disappointing as well.