A new article in Rolling Stone reports on an interview with Barack Obama. From his comments, Obama apparently isn't satisfied with all he has done so far to demoralize the Democratic Party base and suppress the voter turn out on November 2, 2010. Obama's analysis is that progressives and activists are too impatient. He then goes on to claim that he's delivered on 70% of his campaign promises- obviously, he's looking at some list the rest of us have never seen. Here's some highlights of our "fierce advocate's" statements on LGBT and progressive issues:*
I've been here two years, guys. And one of the things that I just try to remember is that if we have accomplished 70 percent of what we committed to in the campaign, historic legislation, and we've got 30 percent of it undone — well, that's what the next two years is for, or maybe the next six.
*
Understandably, everybody has a great sense of urgency about these issues. But one of the things that I constantly want to counsel my friends is to keep the long view in mind. On social issues, something like "don't ask, don't tell." Here, I've got the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff both committed to changing the policy. That's a big deal.
*
So I don't think it's too much to ask, to say "Let's do this in an orderly way" — to ensure, by the way, that gays and lesbians who are serving honorably in our armed forces aren't subject to harassment and bullying and a whole bunch of other stuff once we implement the policy. I use that as an example because on each of these areas, even those where we did not get some grand legislative victory, we have made progress. We have moved in the right direction.
*
One closing remark that I want to make: It is inexcusable for any Democrat or progressive right now to stand on the sidelines in this midterm election. There may be complaints about us not having gotten certain things done, not fast enough, making certain legislative compromises. . . . The idea that we've got a lack of enthusiasm in the Democratic base, that people are sitting on their hands complaining, is just irresponsible. . . . We have to get folks off the sidelines. People need to shake off this lethargy, people need to buck up.
*
To me, Obama's real message is "shut the f*ck up and keep giving my guys your votes and your money. And don't you even dare think about holding me/us accountable." Needless to say, I am not the only one who feels that it's Obama who ought to shut the f*ck up and deliver on promises. He's demonstrated that he's a liar. And when it comes to LGBT issues, he obviously doesn't give a damn. Pam Spaulding lets looseon Obama and the White House here and here. John Aravosis vents here. DailyKos founder Markos Moulitsas had the following to say:
*
"They [the White House] wouldn't be in this predicament if they delivered on their campaign promises, rather than waste the last two years putting bipartisanship above action."
*
Perhaps the best summary comes from a quote from Howard Dean in a Sam Stein Post in Huffington Post:
*
"I'm not looking to pick another fight with Rahm Emanuel, but the contempt with which he held the progressive wing of the party was devastating and incredibly demoralizing," Dean said. "That's basically saying to your own people -- you got us here, now FU."
*
If the Democrats are decimated on November 2, 2010, the rout can be explained in two words: Barack Obama.
No comments:
Post a Comment