Obama appears to be allergic to specifically criticizing the GOP. It's absolutely ridiculous.

[Cali_Democrat]

Another classic example is the email he sent out recently. It makes no mention of the Republicans and only mentions "Congress".

See here---->>>http://www.barackobama.com/news/tell-congress-to-step-up

"Congress" isn't the problem, Mr. President. The Republicans in Congress are the problem as they continue to try and smack you around while you refuse to stand up for yourself. Stop lumping the Congressional Dems in the same boat as the Republicans.

Stand up for yourself and fight the REPUBLICANS in Congress.

[joeybee12]

1. Is Obama in on the joke?

The joke being he was set up to fail?

[rfranklin]

2. I will second that emotion....

Unfortunately, despite what they say about love and peace, most people are attracted to someone who thrashes the opposition.

[Avalux]

3. Why do some not understand Obama is PRESIDENT, and not just a Democrat?

That means he is president to ALL Americans, including Republicans, whether we like it or not. While I certainly wish Obama would tear into Republicans, I understand why he doesn't.

[Bluenorthwest]

6. He's also the leader of a partisan political machine which he

needs to use to be elected again. He is the Democratic President of the United States, not the Congressional Referee. He is in a partisan battle for the future of the nation. And you know, there is much territory between never mentioning them and 'tearing into them'. He has a duty to speak the truth, not to coddle his 'friends' across the aisle. He also has an entire staff to act as his surrogates, not to mention the VP and cabinet who can do the same duty without sullying the precious lips of the bipartisan President.
According to you, Democrats never have a President, the Republicans get theirs, and ours have to affect some neutral, diplomatic stance? If that was the case, why do you think we have partisan elections?
It is a vapid bit of rhetoric. Nothing more. Bush was President of all Americans as well. And Obama says he is opposed to equal rights for millions of GLBT Americans, so he's President of all but 'those people who are not Sanctified by the God'?

[elocs]

9. A Republican president wouldn't hesitate to tear into Democrats.

When Democrats insist on playing by Marquis of Queensbury rules and Republicans employ street fighting tactics that puts the Dems at a distinct disadvantage.

Republicans understand that you don't win at politics by playing nicey-nice and worrying that somebody may not like you if you are mean to them, or don't give them all that they want.

[alsame]

4. All his focus on "Congress" may create an even stronger

anti-incumbent backlash in 2012. And that's not good for him or the Democrats, who have more Senate seats to defend.

I can't ever remember a GOP President blaming their own party for anything.

[Cali_Democrat]

8. Exactly. n/t

[Magister Ludi]

5. You seem to be allergic to Obama. Why is that?

[Tarheel_Dem]

7. >>>>>

;)