[quote=svelte][quote=earlyretirement]
From both sides, I think it’s safe to say he has been a huge disappointment. And his popularity numbers reflect that fact.[/quote]
Interesting to hear you say this. Let me open by saying I’m an independent and have voted for both Dems and Reps.
Republicans regularly accuse me of being a Democrat. Democrats regularly accuse me of being a Republican. It finally dawned on me that it is because they are from extreme ends of the spectrum. Anyone not as extreme as they are is seen as being at the opposite end of the spectrum.
To hear both sides thinking I’m the enemy reinforces that I must be sitting in the middle!
This is a long-winded way of getting to my point: The Dems are unhappy with Obama because he hasn’t been as liberal as they want. The Reps are unhappy with Obama because he obviously isn’t a conservative…and I really think there is a race issue there too. They can deny it all they want, but I think it’s true.
I know it isn’t a popular opinion, but I think Obama is more moderate than many give him credit for. Thus he gets blasted by both sides.[/quote]
svelte, you must be my long-lost twin. I get flack all the time for not adhering to someone’s perception that I should be left or right. And they get even more worked up by the idea that I don’t believe in adherence to a party line, and that I consider each situation on its own merit.
I think Obama’s very moderate. And I totally agree with your assessment of why the different factions don’t like him.
As for me, the things that worried me about voting for Obama in 2008 have been borne out. I was very concerned about his inexperience, and I do believe that’s his major problem. The Oval Office is not a place for the fainthearted.
I honestly think if he pulled his big-boy pants on, and decided to just say, “Screw all of you congressmen and senators, and pundits, and political reprters, I’m gonna do what I want and what I think is best”, he might well move way up in the polls again. People want to feel safe and secure, and they want someone who acts like a strong, decisive leader.
