Obama adept at bringing out the worst in his opposition
A new president is always a bit of a mystery. Even people who have been in the public eye for decades can see their image change once they assume high office. When the president in question is Barack Obama, who didn’t have years in the media spotlight, his public persona can be especially fluid.
As a result, we’ve seen Obama depicted as an ineffectual, naive, kumbaya-singing, eager-to-please Jimmy Carter liberal afraid to take a stand that would offend anybody, and conversely as a calculating, bare-knuckled Chicago machine politician willing to do whatever it takes to get his way — a “thug,” to use the racially charged term.
In an analysis piece at Politico, Jim Vandehei and Mike Allen describe an Obama who is far closer to the second version than the first, with a little Machiavelli thrown into the mix:
“President Obama is working systematically to marginalize the most powerful forces behind the Republican Party, setting loose top White House officials to undermine conservatives in the media, business and lobbying worlds.
With a series of private meetings and public taunts, the White House has targeted the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the biggest-spending pro-business lobbying group in the country; Rush Limbaugh, the country’s most-listened-to conservative commentator; and now, with a new volley of combative rhetoric in recent days, the insurance industry, Wall Street executives and Fox News.
Obama aides are using their powerful White House platform, combined with techniques honed in the 2008 campaign, to cast some of the most powerful adversaries as out of the mainstream and their criticism as unworthy of serious discussion.”
As the piece notes, Obama’s effort to marginalize his opposition has been aided by the opponents themselves, who have been all too eager to play their assigned roles. I don’t think that’s an accident. Obama has a uncanny ability to bring out the worst in his enemies. The more heated the discussion, the more calm Obama becomes. And the more calm he becomes, the more furious and angry the other side gets, until pretty soon they start to look foolish by comparison. That’s certainly what happened to John McCain in the presidential debates last fall.
I’ve played with
Sooner or later, the opponent loses his cool and does something foolish. (Back in the day, the epitome of that style in the NBA was a guy named Danny Ainge. Seven-footer Tree Rollins of the Atlanta Hawks once got so mad at the pesky Ainge that he bit him.)
I don’t know if that’s Obama’s game on the basketball court, but so far, it does seem to work for him in politics.
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199 comments Add your comment
stands for decibels
October 22nd, 2009
8:09 am
Why that can’t be! after all, FoxSnooze ratings are Teh Awesome this week!
/wingers
Finn McCool
October 22nd, 2009
8:10 am
The opposition doesn’t have anyone smart enough to go head to head with our Commander in Chief.
Gale
October 22nd, 2009
8:10 am
Obama / Machiavelli Hmmmm. Interesting Jay.
Finn McCool
October 22nd, 2009
8:11 am
Stands,
Ratins’ is tru da woof?
Marsh
October 22nd, 2009
8:12 am
I hope Rush Limpbrain doesn’t bite Obama. Good grief, he could swallow him whole and, as huge as he is, no one could tell.
Finn McCool
October 22nd, 2009
8:13 am
Regarding the IPO of gun manufacturer Freedom Group:
But the underwriters had better hustle this offering along. Given the nature of war, the demand for bullets and guns by armies (public and private) around the world is likely to be stable. But the consumer market can be more volatile. And as it has become evident that Obama had no secret plan to send out jackbooted thugs to confiscate firearms, there are signs that paranoia-driven sales may be drying up. Look at the FBI background check data again. In September, background checks were up only 12.3 percent from the year before.
http://www.slate.com/id/2233154/
I Report (-: You Whine )-: mmm, mmmm, mmmmm!
October 22nd, 2009
8:18 am
As a result, we’ve seen Obama depicted as an ineffectual, naive, kumbaya-singing, eager-to-please Jimmy Carter liberal afraid to take a stand that would offend anybody, and conversely as a calculating, bare-knuckled Chicago machine politician willing to do whatever it takes to get his way — a “thug,” to use the racially charged term.
Where’s the mmm, mmmm, mmmmm, at?
Oh, and by the way, I guess you could say Chairman Mao played a mean game too.
Normal
October 22nd, 2009
8:18 am
If the “Conservative’s” can dish it out, one would assume they can take it. If not, what does that say?
RW-(the original)
October 22nd, 2009
8:18 am
When did “thug” become a racial term?
What’s truly amazing is Obama’s ability to claim he doesn’t use the race card while his supporters all have decks that consist of nothing else and they never stop dealing.
Mrs. Godzilla
October 22nd, 2009
8:19 am
I love the whole Chamber of Commerce deal…..
3 million members to 300 thousand in one day.
They lost Apple, Nike, Exelon, PG& E….
Good going Mr. President!
Mrs. Godzilla
October 22nd, 2009
8:20 am
Ah the race card…..if you aren’t playing with it you aren’t playing with the full deck.
Turd Ferguson
October 22nd, 2009
8:23 am
LOL…the libs continue wearing their blinders. Nice work!
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
October 22nd, 2009
8:24 am
Well, I was kind of weak this a.m. after being all dried out from all the bathroom trips after Bookman wrote about how taxes was going to have to be raised. Us real Conservative Republicans just hate taxes. Now fees is a diffrent story. Because they ain’t taxes. If they want to slap a few fees on to things, well I reckon I wouldn’t object so much. We can live with fees because they ain’t taxes.
But taxes is just one of the things that gets me riled. The other one is this Obama. I don’t know what it is about him, but all he needs to do is just show up and my blood starts boiling. He don’t even have to say nothing. If I just see a picture of him I’m ready to beat somebody up. He don’t even have to whisper. There’s just something about seeing him that starts my face to turn kind of red and my jaw to set. Maybe it’s just that he’s–well, I might as well say it–one of Those People! And we all know Those People don’t belong in the White House. Except maybe to clean up the place or do some cooking or something like that.
Anyhow, he’s got the kind of look that just rubs me the wrong way. And I think he does it on purpose. Anyhow, it tells you something when it don’t happen when any other politican shows up on TV. It only happens when Obama does. If I even glance at a paper with a picture of Obama I get in a fighting mood.
Only I wouldn’t call it bringing out the worst in me. It just brings out my red-blooded, patriotic, Southren Manhood. And there’s lots of other people that have the same reaction I do.
Have a good day everybody.
righty
October 22nd, 2009
8:24 am
The only reason Obama can appear calm is because he uses Pelosi, Ried, and his other stooges on staff to do all the yelling at the American people. Plus the media (other than Fox News) being in the tank for him goes a long way for his curb appeal too.
But then again, when issues like this even come up, it just shows that the left is starting to feel the heat and come up with more excuses to make their pretty boy look good. Yes, conservatives may appear angry right now, but that’s because they ARE angry! The government refuses to listen and the only TV news network to call them on their crap is Fox News (which explains why their ratings are through the roof, but keep watching bottom rated Communist News Network if you so choose).
Obama’s true colors are coming out whether he appears calm or not. Hopefully this time when elections come around the public will catch the red flag in time.
Marsh
October 22nd, 2009
8:25 am
Normal @ 8:18,
Ah yes, one would assume, but one would be wrong. Sorta reminds me of the wannabe bully on the playground.
Jay
October 22nd, 2009
8:25 am
RW asks:
“When did ‘thug’ become a racial term?”
I’ve got a followup question: When did “thug” become a word you’d apply to a U.S. president?
Joey
October 22nd, 2009
8:25 am
Very good Jay. You were able to wake up this morning and record your dream before it went away. I can’t do that. By the time I have my feet on the floor I have forgotten the details and only recall that I had a pleasant dream.
Oh! I think I understand. You had your laptop beside your bed and tapped this our before your feet hit the floor. Good thinking. I am going to try that for my next dream.
Mrs. Godzilla
October 22nd, 2009
8:26 am
Communist News Network……there’s your sign.
Brad Steel
October 22nd, 2009
8:27 am
Danny Ainge? Are you f’n kidding. Danny Ainge was better known for his sniveling hissy fits than his cool.
Although the analogy has been too played, Ali’s rope-a-dope seems more to better describe the wear-em-down and let them blow their wad in a fit of frustration technique. But the almost pitable quality of Obama’s political opponents (e.g. Limbaugh, Beck, the GOP) makes the fight almost unfair.
Peadawg
October 22nd, 2009
8:29 am
“f the “Conservative’s” can dish it out, one would assume they can take it. If not, what does that say?”
We’ve taken it for 8 years and now we’re dishing it right back at ya.
Angry Black Man
October 22nd, 2009
8:30 am
Jay
Maybe Obama has MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder). However, it is fun to watch people get all up in arms angry while he remains cool as the other side of the pillow.
Paul
October 22nd, 2009
8:31 am
My impression is the weak, ineffectual is in reference international relations, while the Chicago streetbrawler epithet is used to describe his Administration’s going after domestic dissidents.
So it’s weak abroad, tough at home.
In the domestic arena it appears to be more of having underlings do the dirty work while he remains aloof from the mess. As far as his ‘coolness’ – anyone every been around people who, the angrier they get, the more detached, aloof and calm they appear? Maybe people just aren’t reading him correctly.
He’s also a moving target. After all we’ve heard from the White House about their war on Fox, what does the President now say? On NBC news last night, when asked if it was appropriate for a President to decide what’s a news organization, he replied. “Since you’re in the news business, this is something you’re very interested in, but the American people are much more interested in what we’re doing to create jobs and how we’re handling the situation in Afghanistan.”
Reporter: “Fair enough, but your advisors raised this issue.”
President Obama: “Well, no…”
Say what?!!?
Begins at 1 minute 30 seconds
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/ns/nightly_news_with_brian_williams#33421381
stands for decibels
October 22nd, 2009
8:31 am
Communist News Network……there’s your sign.
The same network that employed Glen Beck and signs Loud Obb’s paycheck.
RW-(the original)
October 22nd, 2009
8:32 am
I’ve got a followup question: When did “thug” become a word you’d apply to a U.S. president?
Shouldn’t one answer the first question before asking a followup? Anyway, while I would characterize the behavior of some in the administration as thuggish I don’t believe I’ve ever called the President a thug. To answer your question though, I guess after 8 years of the things W was called pretty much anything became acceptable.
Angry Black Man
October 22nd, 2009
8:32 am
Jay
“Thug” only applies to the President when he’s groomed in “Chicago Style” politics. It’s not really thuggish to call for pre-emptive strikes and bully people around.
Jay
October 22nd, 2009
8:32 am
You’re right about Ainge, Brad. The analogy is imperfect.
Like you, I thought of the rope-a-dope comparison, but like you thought it overdone.
Taxpayer
October 22nd, 2009
8:33 am
I don’t know if it fair to say that Obama brings out the worst in his opposition. From what I’ve seen so far, I think he’s just exposing them for what they truly are — the worst in the opposition.
Turd Ferguson
October 22nd, 2009
8:34 am
Here is some good news. HCare open enrollment is approaching and appears an audit is in order. Do ya wonder why? I bet many of these ineligible employees and the persons enrolling them are the Sat night partying/Sunday mornin put on ya biggest hat and go to church democrats.
I think this is a good idea and will hopefully assist in reining in these HCare costs. As an aside lettuce hope the employees, falsifying documents, will receive a well deserved termination. YES…this is a good thing…
“According to recent surveys, many employers found that family members who were not eligible for health care coverage are enrolled in their medical plans. This results in additional and unjustified health care expenses for employers, which increases the cost that companies and associates have to pay for health insurance”
Mrs. Godzilla
October 22nd, 2009
8:38 am
War on Fox News?
All I see is pointing out falsehoods.
No bombs, guns or bunker busters.
I’d call it Pursuit of Media Accountability and a Accuracy.
Peadawg
October 22nd, 2009
8:39 am
” To answer your question though, I guess after 8 years of the things W was called pretty much anything became acceptable.”
Amen to that! Remember everyone, Democrats can do it, but Republicans can’t. Bunch of dang hypocrites.
Gale
October 22nd, 2009
8:40 am
Dunno, Ferguson, my company audits for eligible coverage every year. We are national and in some parts of the country, we uncovered a lot of inellegable people.
Taxpayer
October 22nd, 2009
8:41 am
Turd Ferguson
October 22nd, 2009
8:34 am
I’m sure that explains the rising cost of healthcare. Not to worry though. The well-funded eagle eyes of those insurance company CEOs are on the job and busy screening out over-weight and under-weight infants, the previously raped, the sick and dying, etc., so that you can purchase affordable health insurance.
Paul
October 22nd, 2009
8:41 am
Jay
“I’ve got a followup question: When did “thug” become a word you’d apply to a U.S. president?”
Well, I can’t speak for RW, but others have addressed that. It began with Pres Kennedy?
“For OpEdNews: Sherwood Ross – Writer
President George W. Bush is “the biggest thug” ever to occupy the White House, writes historian Michael Parenti, adding that most post-World War II U.S. presidents have also acted like “thugs.”
His “thug” list includes Presidents John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Conspicuously absent from his list are Republican Dwight Eisenhower and Democrat Jimmy Carter.
What the thugs have in common, Parenti says, is their dedication “to a U.S. global interventionist policy” and support for “gargantuan, bloated, criminally wasteful military budgets” to execute those interventions.”
Or, from a nonhistorian’s perspective, it began with Pres Bush?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364×1732628
Gore Vidal: Bush Is A Thug. There Is Something Really Wrong With Him
Mrs. Godzilla
What falsehoods from the news programs? Anything comparable on other networks?
Mrs. Godzilla
October 22nd, 2009
8:45 am
Paul
Try Media Matters
They keep an eye on them all.
righty
October 22nd, 2009
8:45 am
“I’d call it Pursuit of Media Accountability and a Accuracy.”
Which is exactly why Obama is out to get Fox News, because the other networks are not accountable and accurate (except to Democrat talking points of course) to the American people.
One of the first steps in the statist tyranny playbook is control of the media. One of the greatest assurances of liberty is a free press. No wonder the administration can’t stand a dissenting network.
Mrs. Godzilla
October 22nd, 2009
8:45 am
righty
so you agree it’s not a war on fox.
thanks
RW-(the original)
October 22nd, 2009
8:50 am
Well, I can’t speak for RW
It’s an open blog, Paul, you can speak for whomever you want.
Besides I’m headed to the forest so somebody needs to speak for me.
See y’all later
Turd Ferguson
October 22nd, 2009
8:51 am
“screening out over-weight and under-weight infants, the previously raped, the sick and dying, etc., so that you can purchase affordable health insurance.”
Oh…screening them due to “adverse selection?” As well they should.
bob
October 22nd, 2009
8:53 am
Ms. Godzilla, I don’t watch foxnews much, can you fill me in on some of the recent falsehoods that were pointed out ? I need some ammo for some co-workers.
Mrs. Godzilla
October 22nd, 2009
8:57 am
Bob
Go to Media Matters
The Search function will allow you to review which ever source you like.
Taxpayer
October 22nd, 2009
8:57 am
Here, Hear!
someguy
October 22nd, 2009
8:58 am
So the term “thug” is racist is you apply it to a President that is of a different race, however if you call a white guy a “thug” it is not racist. Yea, that makes alot of sense………..to a hypocrite.
Finn McCool
October 22nd, 2009
8:58 am
statist tyranny playbook
LOL. Wing Nutter alert. Get the net!
Taxpayer
October 22nd, 2009
8:59 am
The Ten Most Egregious Fox News Distortions (VIDEO)
stands for decibels
October 22nd, 2009
9:01 am
” To answer your question though, I guess after 8 years of the things W was called pretty much anything became acceptable.”
Amen to that! Remember everyone, Democrats can do it, but Republicans can’t. Bunch of dang hypocrites.
Eight years. Right.
Funny, I must have imagined the mainstream media’s googly eyes they’d made at St. Chimpy McScrewup from the time he’d changed his undies on 9/11 more or less continuously until, oh, maybe some time between bollixing up the Schaivo case and declaring “you’re doing a heckuva job.”
Any kind of well-deserved rude words directed at W prior to that time were shunted off to the crazy-radical section. To have watched the TV news at the time, you’d have thought there was no organized opposition to the Iraq invasion whatsoever.
Eight years? Come on. It mighta been one or two rough years, between Katrina and the 2006 thumpin’, at which point his lame duckitude more or less made him the object of mainstream pity rather than scorn.
Bosch
October 22nd, 2009
9:04 am
Danny Ainge – hehehe. I forgot about that dude. He was very short tempered.
MIKE LUCKOVICH!!! Too funny. Still shaking my head with a big smile on my face at that one. Good one.
Good morning Paul, Mrs. G., Normal, Taxpayer, sfd!
Paul
October 22nd, 2009
9:04 am
Mrs. Godzilla
(my question) “What falsehoods from the news programs? Anything comparable on other networks?”
(answer): “Try Media Matters. They keep an eye on them all.”
I agree, Media Matters has it’s own problems with telling falsehoods.
Is this how the game is played?
http://mediamatters.blogsome.com/
Bosch
October 22nd, 2009
9:05 am
Oh and Finn! Where have you been? Hey I rhymed!
Finn McCool
October 22nd, 2009
9:05 am
You wing nutters might need a lesson in self defense against…
fresh fruit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piWCBOsJr-w
Marsh
October 22nd, 2009
9:05 am
President Obama is calm, cool, and collected.
Those adjectives apply as well to Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, pilot of the US Airways jet that landed in the Hudson River in January.
Yes we can!