Until they get punched in the mouth.
That quote from my favorite contemporary philosopher, Mike Tyson, sums up the Obama Administration - at least since the special election of Scott Brown.
It's hard not to be too cynical about the way the White House has governed lately. Any time they get hit in the mouth they seemingly give up. That is a bit harsh since they did get health care over the finish line and passed some pretty meaningful financial reform legislation this summer.
But even those victories display a certain lack of fight. There was no public option in the health care bill, let alone a single-payer system. And on financial reform there is still chance for the White House to blow it by NOT naming someone like Elizabeth Warren to lead the new consumer advocacy board.
The state of contemporary politics is neatly summed up on page 2 of today’s “Week in Review” of The New York Times.
Actually the entire section is pretty good, but especially the quote from Al Sharpton in the article about Shirley Sherrod. Sharpton laments the Administration getting spooked by the Tea Party and ‘arguing with people carrying signs.”
But as this editorial cartoon points out, the Obama White House is spending too little time inspiring and activating the coalition of liberals, minorities and young people who elected him, and way too much time fretting and hand wringing about what the crack pots on Fox News are saying.
“Yes We Can” has been replaced with ‘Maybe We Shouldn’t.’
And I’m not quoting the Tea Party. That’s from the White House.
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