I like the Osoff approach. Unfortunately, a lot of Dems don't like it because they are 'above it'. They don't understand that 'getting dirty' is the way the world works right now. A bunch of people drinking shitty coffee in Brooklyn ain't gonna get a President elected.
My reaction to Obama's speech wasn't that it was "oblique," but that it was refined, powerful and indicting of Trump and Congressional Republicans, not just in tone, but in reference to what we, as Americans, believe is our birthright and our obligation to others. It let us remember what America used to represent - no wonder the fascists who voted for Trump, or who slavishly suck up to him, were offended. They don't believe in the same America we do and which was captured by the words of the Declaration of Independence.
Except for Trump cultist, if there’s to be rapprochement among polarized Americans, it will be on the basis of the values that Obama expressed, and that you cited. Don’t sell an elegant expression of those values short.
I think you are missing a certain constraint, a standard, that no other First Family has to operate under. Considering the Tan Suit, and the Bare Shoulders, and the Feet on the Desk — and the fact that this unique Obama characteristic may have something to do with Trump’s two victories — I think Obama does an admirable job skating on the thin ice of American neurosis by never being as rude as the times call for.
Fantastic article , well stated , points made And Yes I think Jon Ossef continuing to speak the truth rather than reacting emotionally Is What Is Needed Now …. Continue To State the Facts … Telling it like it really Is !!!
I think this is even worse than you say. I’ve been incredibly frustrated by the Obama post-presidency. Both of them seem content to be rich celebrities, when the country, and Black people and other minorities in particular, are fighting for their lives. The Obamas could be doing much more to lead the resistance than they are, and it’s been very disappointing. I do not want to hear about Spotify playlists when the country is burning.
If Democrats want the any of the general non-MAGA voting population to be swayed toward their way of thinking, stating facts plainly and passionately as well as calling out republicans specifically is the only option.
Very few voters will put any effort into trying to figure out what Dems are trying to say, if they don’t understand it the first time they hear it they’ll just shrug and forget about it.
And yes, it’s a huge indictment of Republicans and their enablers that speeches like Obama’s enrage them and Democrats should loudly call that out as well. How pathetic that they get so pissy over someone saying things like kindness, democracy, equality should be actively practiced and protected.
Politicians can utilize the flowing rhetoric of Obama or have a more direct approach like Ossoff but none of it is going to matter if there is no real agenda or plan behind the words. Take any policy proposal, send it to Jeffries and Schumer for markups, run it through a focus group, poll test it and you'll get back a word soup.
What does "Opportunity Economy" mean? "Affordability"? "Lowering prices"? "Protecting Democracy?" "Fighting Trump", "Working with foreign allies"? Ask 10 Democrats and you'll get 10 responses.
The leadership of this party is allergic to decision making and agenda setting. If we can't even understand what we stand for how are we going to communicate that to the public?
Obama ran on being the antithesis of Bush. And immediately turned into Bush. He didn’t end the wars and bring justice to the war criminals. He continued the wars under new, cool, Chicago management. I regret my one vote for him and it’s made me more skeptical of voting for any Democratic presidential candidate.
Brian, the idea that there are still people out there who don't know what to think is amazing. "Right-wing consciousness of guilt is one of few amusing phenomena of the Trump era. It is so pitched, and conservatives so self-aware, that any nod to virtue strikes them as an accusation, and they lash out angrily."
I like the Osoff approach. Unfortunately, a lot of Dems don't like it because they are 'above it'. They don't understand that 'getting dirty' is the way the world works right now. A bunch of people drinking shitty coffee in Brooklyn ain't gonna get a President elected.
My reaction to Obama's speech wasn't that it was "oblique," but that it was refined, powerful and indicting of Trump and Congressional Republicans, not just in tone, but in reference to what we, as Americans, believe is our birthright and our obligation to others. It let us remember what America used to represent - no wonder the fascists who voted for Trump, or who slavishly suck up to him, were offended. They don't believe in the same America we do and which was captured by the words of the Declaration of Independence.
Except for Trump cultist, if there’s to be rapprochement among polarized Americans, it will be on the basis of the values that Obama expressed, and that you cited. Don’t sell an elegant expression of those values short.
I very much appreciated the decency expressed by both Obamas.
Right now messaging has to be simple and striking. Trump is an incompetent crook stealing all he can get. All he wants is your money.
Or Trump started this war because he's so stupid. Dumber than dirt! But he'll use it to steal more from us, just watch.
Have graphics with him grabbing cash from the hands of dead soldiers. Or kids.
Gotta use stuff that tells the story and makes it stick.
I think you are missing a certain constraint, a standard, that no other First Family has to operate under. Considering the Tan Suit, and the Bare Shoulders, and the Feet on the Desk — and the fact that this unique Obama characteristic may have something to do with Trump’s two victories — I think Obama does an admirable job skating on the thin ice of American neurosis by never being as rude as the times call for.
Fantastic article , well stated , points made And Yes I think Jon Ossef continuing to speak the truth rather than reacting emotionally Is What Is Needed Now …. Continue To State the Facts … Telling it like it really Is !!!
I think this is even worse than you say. I’ve been incredibly frustrated by the Obama post-presidency. Both of them seem content to be rich celebrities, when the country, and Black people and other minorities in particular, are fighting for their lives. The Obamas could be doing much more to lead the resistance than they are, and it’s been very disappointing. I do not want to hear about Spotify playlists when the country is burning.
If Democrats want the any of the general non-MAGA voting population to be swayed toward their way of thinking, stating facts plainly and passionately as well as calling out republicans specifically is the only option.
Very few voters will put any effort into trying to figure out what Dems are trying to say, if they don’t understand it the first time they hear it they’ll just shrug and forget about it.
And yes, it’s a huge indictment of Republicans and their enablers that speeches like Obama’s enrage them and Democrats should loudly call that out as well. How pathetic that they get so pissy over someone saying things like kindness, democracy, equality should be actively practiced and protected.
Curious to read in an argument for plain speaking that Andrew Johnson is our worst president. WTF?
Politicians can utilize the flowing rhetoric of Obama or have a more direct approach like Ossoff but none of it is going to matter if there is no real agenda or plan behind the words. Take any policy proposal, send it to Jeffries and Schumer for markups, run it through a focus group, poll test it and you'll get back a word soup.
What does "Opportunity Economy" mean? "Affordability"? "Lowering prices"? "Protecting Democracy?" "Fighting Trump", "Working with foreign allies"? Ask 10 Democrats and you'll get 10 responses.
The leadership of this party is allergic to decision making and agenda setting. If we can't even understand what we stand for how are we going to communicate that to the public?
Obama goes hardest at those to his left.
Obama ran on being the antithesis of Bush. And immediately turned into Bush. He didn’t end the wars and bring justice to the war criminals. He continued the wars under new, cool, Chicago management. I regret my one vote for him and it’s made me more skeptical of voting for any Democratic presidential candidate.
So what is your alternstive...bitch and moan or don't vote at all? Criticism without solution is maturation. Get out there and make a difference.
Brian, the idea that there are still people out there who don't know what to think is amazing. "Right-wing consciousness of guilt is one of few amusing phenomena of the Trump era. It is so pitched, and conservatives so self-aware, that any nod to virtue strikes them as an accusation, and they lash out angrily."