This Week's Roundtable has "Obama Unfocused?" on for ten minutes

[zulchzulu]

The super (as we say in the TV biz) has "Obama Unfocused?" on for what seems like 10 minutes on This Week's Roundtable show. As they talk about everything ranging from Geitner to Wall Street to the economy, the super remained. Only after George Will requested some graphic showing how the dollar has devalued since 1990 (is it Obama's fault, George?), did the super go away.

The oddness that the super "Obama Unfocused?" remained on for so long can either be due to an asleep news director, a Republican news producer, the cluelessness of how the show provides contextual messaging or the fact that "This Week" staff want to keep hammering away at Obama to try to give negative ratings a "chance".

Why would Obama be "unfocused"? He's got essentially what would be a dozen gaping holes in America's hull and is trying to stop it from sinking. Should he just focus on one area of destruction at a time? What would the Royal Punditry say then? He's too focused?

The segment of the Roundtable ended with how George Stephanopolous was going to Twitter with John McCain... can anyone be more vapid and clueless? I thought McCain couldn't type because of his war wounds?

[dkf]

1. You don't think some of Obama's proposals seem out of touch though?

The education proposal to increase the school year when states are laying off teachers, the billions of dollars proposed for a wildly inefficient health care system in the middle of a recession/depression, the proposals for mandatory coverage which would push some small businesses over the edge, the proposed increase in taxes which is scaring the bejeebers out of rich people when we need them to spend money and invest?

I'm not sure if you noticed the change in Obama's tone lately. Now he is talking about reviewing and possibly lowering corporate taxes when he used to be talking about raising taxes on the wealthy. Instead of railing on irresponsible banks, they are letting the top banks trickle out one by one to profess their profitability (someone mentioned they thought it was orchestrated by the administration and I wouldn't doubt it).

Looks like the Obama team has made some adjustments lately, so I think they are beginning to change their focus from fulfilling the 100 day plan to coping with the day to day trials and tribulations of the economy.

[zulchzulu]

2. I wouldn't call being very busy and trying to get things done "unfocused"

You may disagree on some of the ideas on healthcare reform with skyrocketing costs, education reform with woefully dismal international results or perhaps having the top 1% start paying a modest tax after eight years of a free ride, but Obama is not "unfocused" in my view. He's trying to get a LOT of things done. I'd rather have that effort taken than sitting on one's ass and letting the shit hit the fan.

[dkf]

3. Its nice, except the economy has turned scary and stories like

the lack of nominees at Treasury don't give confidence that he can get it all done like he wants to.

Treasury should have been the first department staffed because of all the Government intervention that we have needed to throw at the situation.

Its what kind of throws the "walk and chew gum" argument out the door for me.

[zulchzulu]

4. I can see why it's hard to staff Treasury since the economy is in such dire straights

If you were a very talented economist who could still make some serious cash on Wall Street or elsewhere, would you want to get a gig where your first job is to start bailing water in what seems like a sinking boat?

Aside from the scrutiny of looking at how so many who are skilled economists also probably participated in the party that let to this hangover, it's going to take time to staff Treasury with people who aren't Milton Friedman clones.

The problems with the economy are staggering and we are in uncharted waters. Where do I sign up?!?!

[dkf]

6. Yeah he is having a hell of a time because of the whole

"no lobbyist" thing and the perfect tax return thing.

19 positions and last I heard we have 3 nominees. Maybe you should apply!! Sounds like the people he wants to put in have problems or he would have put them up already. I think he needs like 6 backups for each nominee just in case.

[Captain Hilts]

9. This is a NON-issue. It really is. nt

[dkf]

10. This is the crew that has to put out our financial fires.

Congress couldn't get someone from Treasury to answer questions on AIG. You don't think that is important?

[babylonsister]

5. Darn, you sound like Gregory attacking Dr. Romer.

And speaking of walking and chewing gum...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=103x433011

Yes, it's conceivable.

[dkf]

8. Its amazing though. After about a week of my ranting and raving

I tend to see a change in Obama's course. :)

I know its not me, but I feel reassured that in the end he gets it. Maybe as I type things, he is taking time to organize it. It is much easier said than done after all.

[Teaser]

7. Boring.

*yawn*

[MarjorieG]

11. He was always going to let the Bush rates sunset, which is a while yet. Why rail?