Does anyone think President Obama doesn't know what he's doing

[babylonsister]

with this first major Supreme Court pick? Really? I'd like to hear the arguments, or where he erred.

[Political Heretic]

1. I think he knows exactly what he's doing and that's what concerns me.

[babylonsister]

3. Why? nt

[Political Heretic]

6. Because the overwhelming majority of actions and policy I have seen from this adminsitration...

..have been tragic betrayals of social justice and economic fairness and have explicitly supported the agenda of the wealthy elite to the point where it leaves me with the impression that somehow this administration has been co opted by interests that I simply do not support.

Thus I have nothing but skepticism about anything Obama does until he gives me reason to feel otherwise, which I am STILL waiting for. I am angry and sorely, deeply disappointed in the direction of decisions that have already been implemented as policy. The "give him time" argument doesn't work here, because its not about the "speed" at which things are done its about the direction of policy that has already taken shape.

I'm deeply, painfully disappointed and angry and the shocking speed at which this administration has sprinted into the embrace of the status quo and the powers that be after boldly promising radical change. Give me a poll right now, and I can't say I approve of the Presidents job performance. :(

[Captain Hilts]

10. "Overwhelming majority of actions...have been tragic betrayals." Wow. What a sad world you live in

[babylonsister]

15. OK, wallow. But I've posted this before, and will post it for you now:

From a month ago (and P.S., I'm so sorry you are so disillusioned) :

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=8378309


Lots of imbedded links in this for more in-depth info...

http://pr.thinkprogress.org/2009/04/pr20090429/index.ht...

Obama's 100 Days Of Progress


Today marks 100 days since President Obama took office. Yesterday, The Progress Report examined how conservatives chose to spend their first 100 days. Today, we highlight the accomplishments of the Obama administration.

President Barack Obama took the oath of office on Jan. 21, 2009, with two broad mandates bestowed upon him by the American people: repair the mess that President Bush and his administration left behind after eight disastrous years in office, and enact a bold, progressive agenda that includes fixing our nation's health care system and seriously addressing global climate change. Obama went to work right away, pushing the "biggest, boldest countercyclical fiscal stimulus in American history" through Congress -- a $787 billion dollar measure that not only creates jobs but also provides investments in energy, transportation, education and health care. Obama also announced his intention to shift focus and resources away from Bush's misbegotten adventure in Iraq and refocus on Afghanistan, where the security situation is worse than it has been since the start of the U.S.-led war there in October 2001. Now, a series of recent public opinion polls shows that the American public not only overwhelmingly approves of the job Obama is doing as president, but they also believe the nation is heading in the right direction -- "the first time in years the nation has held such an optimistic view of its future." For example, a new ABC News/Washington Post poll found that 50 percent of Americans now say the country is on the right track (48 percent say the wrong track), compared with just 13 percent who had the same feeling last October (85 percent said the U.S. was heading in the wrong direction at that time). Indeed, in his first 100 days in office, Obama has received the support of the American public to implement the progressive agenda he campaigned on.

BREAK FROM BUSH: Shortly after taking office, Obama worked quickly to repair the damage done under Bush and has, in total, issued 29 executive decisions reversing Bush administration policy. On his first day as president, Obama signed an executive order mandating the closure of the Guantanamo Bay terror detainee prison camp within one year. The next day, he ordered military leaders to establish a plan for a responsible withdrawal from Iraq,and he signed executive orders ending CIA secret prisons and ending torture by requiring that all interrogations abide by the Army Field Manual. Obama put these first actions as president in simple terms. "We intend to win this fight" against terrorists, he said. But "we are going to win it on our own terms." On the domestic front, Obama reversed Bush's restrictions on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research in March, asserting that his administration would "make scientific decisions based on facts, not ideology." In London at the G20 Summit and in other European capitals earlier this month, Obama reassured America's friends and allies that the United States would reengage the world as an equal partner. "We're starting to see some restoration of America's standing in the world," Obama said in London. " It is "very important for us to be able to forge partnerships as opposed to dictating solutions." As far as "dictating solutions," Obama also ditched Bush's "with us or against us" foreign policy mindset in dealing with America's allies and adversaries. Indicating his sincerity in reaching out to the Muslim world, Obama granted his first television interview as president to Dubai-based Al-Arabiya. "My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy," Obama said, adding, "We are offering a hand of friendship." Most significantly, Obama also opened the door to direct dialogue with Iran last month, sending the government and its people a "groundbreaking" "special message" on Nowruz, the start of the Persian New Year, in which he said the U.S. is seeking "engagement" with Iran "that is honest and grounded in mutual respect."

A PROGRESSIVE AGENDA: On Jan. 29, Obama signed his first major piece of legislation, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, an equal pay law making it easier for workers -- most of whom are women -- to initiate pay discrimination lawsuits. "We are upholding one of this nation's first principles: that we are all created equal and each deserve a chance to pursue our own version of happiness," Obama said at the bill's signing ceremony. Six days later, Obama signed a bill expanding publicly funded health insurance for children, known as SCHIP, legislation Bush had vetoed twice despite strong bipartisan support in Congress. The bill reduces the number of uninsured children by about half over the next four years and will "boost the number covered by the program to 11 million." "In a decent society, there are certain obligations that are not subject to trade offs or negotiation -- health care for our children is one of those obligations," Obama said. And just last week, the President signed a $5.7 billion national service bill championed by Sens. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) that "triples the size of the AmeriCorps service program over the next eight years and expands ways for students to earn money for college."

THE NEXT 100 DAYS AND BEYOND: Obama and Congress have yet to finalize legislation that would fully accomplish health care reform and solve our climate crisis, but these two major issues remain on the front-burner and have received significant attention in the administration's first 100 days. The economic recovery bill passed earlier this year contained key health care provisions that lead the way toward reform, including $19 billion for health care information technology to implement electronic health records and an agency to "conduct and support research that would assess the benefits of competing treatments," both of which aim to reduce future overall costs. Moreover, Obama's budget creates a "reserve fund" as a down payment to reform the health care system. The stimulus bill also provided a boost to a green economy. In what The New York Times called "the biggest energy bill in history," the Recovery Act provides $91 billion for clean energy investments. In a further indication that addressing climate change is a top priority for the Obama administration, the Environmental Protection Agency confirmed this month that greenhouse gas pollution endangers the health and welfare of the American public. The move finally complies with the Supreme Court's 2007 ruling -- ignored by Bush -- that such emissions should be regulated by the federal government under the Clean Air Act. Obama's budget contains key energy provisions that also aim to limit greenhouse gases and build a clean-energy economy, such as a mandatory cap on carbon emissions which is expected to raise hundreds of billions of dollars over the next ten years that will go toward clean energy development and tax credits for working Americans.

[Political Heretic]

28. I'm more interested in what has been done rather than words promising what will be done

And this is what has been done:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=5696719

[babylonsister]

29. What has been done? Then you missed my link.

And come on, silly, you could care less what's 'been done' vs. critiquing what hasn't been. I 'get' it. And carry on.

[Political Heretic]

35. No, I read your link, and I don't have anything to say about what "hasn't" been done.

It's about judging specific actions already taken which most certainly can be evaluated. And those actions, on their own strength leave me sorely disappointed.

A memo from think progress speaking in vague generalities doesn't change this:

"It's not that positive things haven't happened. It's that the sheer contrast between the scale of the positive things that have happened, vs. the extensive number of major issues on which the exact opposite of anything I could support has happened is simply shocking. It's that every morning I get headlines and find more bad news about something this administration is doing that I completely oppose."

Or this:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=5696719

[babylonsister]

32. Did you miss the positive thread, or don't you care?

Whatever, but I'm not going to stop being positive. Until tomorrow. At least. nt

[Political Heretic]

36. I don't care because in my opinion, the negatives outweight the positives.

As I stated here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=5696719

[Rosa Luxemburg]

48. Do you have a magic wand like Tinkerbell?

do you understand how government works?

[redqueen]

51. It's becoming all too clear that lots of people here don't understand

how government works. Let alone politics.

[JuniperLea]

58. Startling, isn't it?

Here we have the most active and accomplished POTUS I can remember, getting so much done in the first 100, and we're still hearing the whining. Unfreakingbelievable. You can't please them all, but this is ridiculous.

I don't absolutely love everything he's done, but criminetly! This 8-year-old train wreck can't be turned around in a couple of months. Idiots. I'm so sick of idiots.

[redqueen]

59. It is disappointing.

What's startling is seeing Obama called "Princess Precious" by DUers. And applauded for it.

[JuniperLea]

61. I wonder how many are DUnos...

There is a vile stench here these days. I'd hate to think it's really all our peeps. Ugh.

[redqueen]

64. Nope...

long-time DUer... said it while chewing out a troll. Ironic.

[polmaven]

69. OK, now it's my turn...

People here at DU called the president "Princess Precious"? I don't even know what that means! Is that a cartoon, or a doll, or a fairy tale or something? I mean it is obviously meant unkindly, but it sounds like it is a slur to MANY people right here at DU...not just the president!

[nichomachus]

62. No, but I understand when it's not working

And you can take your Tinkerbell wand and put it where the sun doesn't shine.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

76. if you can do better you should consider standing for the presidency yourself

many armchair politiciaNS HERE

[Political Heretic]

86. Do you realize how ludicrous what you're saying is?

Imagine saying that to someone when they were unhappy with George Bush.

The notion that we should not question or criticize our leaders unless we can replace them ourselves is what people say when they don't have an articulate response to accurate, substantive criticism of a political leader that they unquestioningly support.


But for what its worth, I do happen to have a masters degree and beginning my doctoral program in public policy and political economy. So I'm not sure that "armchair" quite applies.

[Political Heretic]

70. We understand when it isn't working.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

77. WELL ACTUALLY IT IS WORKING

AND IT IS SLOWLY GETLAST LOT.TING BACK TO HOW IT SHOULD BE. WHAT DO EXPECT AFTER THE

[Political Heretic]

85. If this is how it "should be" I don't want any part of it.

Single Payer is left off the table. The administration EPA is tossing out ridiculous environment screwing policy. We are escalating wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan and leaving residual bases and forces in Iraq. We're making Bush-era legal arguments against government transparency, and against civil liberties, We're "moving forward" on the biggest federal crime scandal in the history of our government, proving that there is no accountability and no meaning to the concept of "law" when you have enough power.

The Wall Street bailout is a disgrace to working America, designed to reinflate a false bubble for rich people without fixing the fundamental flaws and excesses that will ultimately bring our economy to complete collapse (you can't ask for a bigger warning sign than what we've just experienced, and instead of really doing something about it, we've punted the problem to our children while propping up the very people who are doing the most damage). There is silence on EFCA and push make concessions to Business. Don't Ask Don't Tell is off the Table. So far the highlight of educational policy reform is the failed GOP idea of so-called "merit" pay.

It's not that positive things haven't happened. It's that the sheer contrast between the scale of the positive things that have happened, vs. the extensive number of major issues on which the exact opposite of anything I could support has happened is simply shocking. It's that every morning I get headlines and find more bad news about something this administration is doing that I completely oppose.

[redqueen]

94. That's always been the case. Real change takes *generations*.

Sorry, looks like you weren't cut out for this.

[Fire1]

96. Absolutely. I've said this to others, as well. Obama is the

BEGINNING of change that will be taking place between now and 2020. During this time the electorate and voters will inevitably be transformed by the millennial generation.

[Thrill]

16. Yeah those middle class tax cuts and tax increases on the rich

and going after Corporate tax havens, Sure is an agenda supported by the wealthy elite. Not to mention that ridiculous amount of money towards education in the stimulus package as well as doubling the amount for education in the budget is an agenda of the wealthy elite. Big investments in Healthcare and alternative energy sure are the agenda for the wealthy elite.

Your comments are nonsense. The guy has hit on almost every liberal progressive agenda out there.

[Political Heretic]

27. This:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=5696719

I believe that the issues identified here really outstrip a few dollar a week tax cut. That "ridiculous" amount of money for education in the stimulus package? Have you tracked what's happened with that? Because I have - its part of my job. It leaves more than a little to be desired. Big investments in health care? Like starting by completely shutting out any and all discussion of single-payer? Going after tax havens? Nothing's happened there. Big words, which was quietly pushed to the sidelines after the cries of corporations.

"The guy" has done just what you said: "hit on" many issues without sticking on any of them. That's what politicians do when they want to win elections. It's not what needs to be done to properly govern.

[demosincebirth]

21. Maybe you would have been happier with McCain, being that Obama is a big disappointment to you

[Political Heretic]

25. Being the not-McCain president isn't good enough.

I'm sorry if that's the litmus test you use for being satisfied with the policy and decisions of a president, but that doesn't work for me.

[emilyg]

30. Old, tired argument.

[JNelson6563]

52. Don't waste your time

Ever hear of the "barbituate left"? Never happy. Ever.

Julie

[Political Heretic]

71. Except that doesn't represent me.

I have been happy with Obama, and I have been on the other side defending him against other critics.

When the stimulus bill came out, there were some that said it was a joke, and I knew that there was much good in there and was immensely favorable of it. When the budget framework was being pushed through, I was extremely positive about that. And further more, I started off with full approval of Obama's job. I've even used the "Barbiturate Left" column on people that I was arguing with while defending the President in the past.

I'm happy when the positives outweigh the negatives. Right now I don't believe that to be the case.

[JNelson6563]

82. Granted I don't read the boards as I once did but...

from what I have seen lately, it sure seems to. Lotta negative energy goin' on with your posts.

Julie

[Political Heretic]

84. That's because I am not happy now. Which is not the same as saying I am not happy ever.

I have very specific problems - they aren't abstract at all.

[RetroLounge]

63. Grow up...

RL

[babylonsister]

22. Aww, woe is you. So, what's your solution? Is there someone out

there we've missed? Please, do tell.

[scrappydo]

24. I take it McCain would have been a better choice for you?

"....the overwhelming majority of actions and policy I have seen from this administration have been tragic betrayals of social justice and economic fairness."

WOW! Did you expect President Obama to have a magic wand, and with back-and-forth swish, solve all of our country's problems? Either you are so far left you have fallen off the political spectrum and hit your head which, in turn, messed up you reasoning powers or you live on a different planet than I do.

The president has done an excellent job with the plate he was handed....Tell me what is so wrong with his accomplishments so far....he has ordered the closure of the Guantanamo Bay prison and a troop withdrawal from Iraq, made it easier for women to sue for job discrimination, eased restrictions on federally funded stem-cell research, extended health care to millions of children, ousted the head of General Motors, reached out to the Muslim world, moved to ease tensions with Cuba, traveled to Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, and set aside huge tracts of wilderness for federal protection, has seized on the worst economic crisis since the 1930s and set out to reshape major aspects of everyday life: the price we pay to see a doctor, the size of our children's classrooms, the fuel we put in our cars (Chicago Tribune, April 19, 2009). He has done more for the American people in the four months he has been in office than Bush did in his eight years, or should I say in Cheney's eight years since Bush is looking more and more like a puppet president.

Radical change is not reality. What made you think that radical change was going to happen overnight when President Obama is but one man - he is not a hHgher Power.

[Boomerang Diddle]

38. Cheer up! Maybe you'll luck out and get Palin in 2012.

n/t

[Political Heretic]

73. Juvenile.

[dionysus]

42. you live in some kind of alternate reality, don't you?

[Political Heretic]

72. I live in this reality:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=5696719

So do a lot of other DUers judging by the fact that the thread was #1 on the greatest page and given the number of responses.

Maybe peoples deep displeasure at direction shouldn't be pooh poohed and mocked. Seeing as how were supposed to care most about social and economic justice, we would all supposedly be on the same side. So even when there's disagreements they ought to at least be civil.

Of course, in practice that's not quite how it works is it? Some people care most about social and economic justice, above party politics and above personality politics, and others treat politicians like their favorite sports team or an idolized celebrity and trash anyone who dares to raise a concern.

[solstice]

90. I'm with you. The rich get richer and the middle class is losing everything. Why isn't Obama

helping US instead of THEM?

[Butch350]

93. Have you ever thought

that there might be underlying issues that the general population, (that's you and I ), are not privy to that may not allow him any deviation from his current policy decisions? It's not always about what's good for you.

[Political Heretic]

95. Just another variation of the "shut up" because "they" know what's best argument.

After having done the best a citizen can do to fully understand the issues, I am absolutely justified in forming opinions about legislation and policy that has already been rolled out. Are there things that go on behind the scenes that help explain why decisions get made? Of course there are. Does that mean that an ordinary citizen is thus unable to examine available facts, analyze legislation and public policy initiatives and form conclusions about their strength and value?

Absolutely not.

Not to mention the fact that I'm a trained policy analyst and spend more than a casual amount of time examining national and state legislative policy and I feel pretty comfortable that I'm informed enough to make assessments on public policy already implemented.

[tavalon]

2. I think she's a great choice

It's nice that he ended two such awfully fucked up weeks in his administration with a high note.

[DJ13]

4. Im not totally thrilled she's his pick, but Im sure he knows what he's doing

[Hepburn]

5. I am concerned...

...both Jessie Helms and Rick Santorum approved of her when she was nominated to the federal bench.

That gives me pause.

[islandmkl]

8. they were among ALL the approvals....just possibly they weren't looking for a fight...

over her appointment...

some here on DU seem to think the Senators should be expected to fight it out about everything...when, in reality, they all practice 'pick your time well' to engage in power struggle events...

i admit i will not devote the effort, but i am sure i can find many bills/laws YOU approve of that senators like helms/santorum/repukes supported...

it's part of the Senate's game, and the tight view of a microscope can distort the full image...

[Captain Hilts]

12. Correct. Votes in the senate are all a product of bargaining. nt

[Hepburn]

18. OK....

...list those bills.

[islandmkl]

41. sure, i'll guess at the bills and laws of which you have approved...

why don't you just list me EVERY bill and law the Senate has approved between 1973 and 2006 (the full tenures of both senators you referenced) THAT YOU APPROVE and ENDORSE..

and i'll get to work...

or, you could do your own research to back up your own opinion...

[Mass]

47. As did Boxer and Kennedy. She was the nominee the GOP tried to destroy before she was nominated.

That should make you think as well.

[Cha]

7. I think that those who Are concerned

should look at the whole picture and not just one aspect of the nomination.

[DJ13]

13. Im not concerned, just dismayed at the timidity of chosing her at this time

This pick was essentially a "gimmee".

To the GOP Justice Souter was already deemed a liberal, so they really dont have much to gain by fighting Obama's choice.

Because of that, Obama could have chosen someone who was known as a real liberal in political circles this time around without much to fear.

While Sotomayor is a solid choice, and would have been a good choice should another vacancy happen, she isnt the kind of liberal we need to counter balance the hard right conservatives already serving.

[Cha]

14. What you call "timidity" I think is a

bold choice. YAY!

[DJ13]

17. Forget the touchdown, go for a fieldgoal!

[O is 44]

19. Obama is not..

an ideologue. I think Sotomayor is his ideal choice, from what I have witnessed from Obama he is not caught up in matching the dogmas that come from either side, or should I say extremes. No offense intended just my view of Obama.

[babylonsister]

20. No offense at all. I like that you 'get' that. nt

[Adelante]

50. I agree

And welcome to DU :hi:

[babylonsister]

26. Timidity? With the agenda for Dems? You are

full of it. Either you want Dems to succeed or you don't. Let me know.

This nom of this woman is brilliant. And we have a long row to hoe.

So, will you be fighting the Democratic path every step of the way?

And PS, another vacancy will happen before Obama is done. Count on it.

Then again, I have faith, and hope!

[Cha]

65. From your thread on what Joe Conason thinks of Prez

Obama's "timidity":rofl:

<snip>

"Choosing Sonia Sotomayor as his first nominee to the United States Supreme Court will allow Barack Obama to prove three important things. As a politician, he is not afraid of a fight. As a constitutional lawyer, he is willing and able to defend his conception of that living document. And as president, he is prepared to brush aside the phony consensus of Washington’s gossipy elite."

<snip>

"Finally, by choosing Ms. Sotomayor, the president demonstrated his disdain for the obnoxious whispering campaign against her that began in a dubious article in The New Republic, migrated to the National Review Web site (which pronounced her “dumb and obnoxious”) and predictably found its way onto the pages of The Washington Post. Only weeks ago, the participants in that campaign were congratulating themselves for killing her nomination. Thankfully, Mr. Obama ignored the decree of the capital’s gossips and made up his own mind. Let this occasion be the first of many."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8435088

It must be so cathartic for some to take pot shots at the Prez from their safe perch while he's out there doing all the heavy lifting.

[Captain Hilts]

9. She's a great choice from what I've read. I endorsed her two weeks ago...

because she helped end the baseball strike.

[vaberella]

37. I'll forgive your slash on Matthews. n/t

[Beacool]

46. How can you like that sexist creep?

x(

[vaberella]

56. Easy...

His show is like watching a political Jerry Springer. I wonder how stupid he gets and he hypnotizes me by the fact he talks like Sylvester (the cat) but looks like Tweety (the canary). I'm far more entertained than I really take anything from him.

[Beacool]

91. You have a stronger stomach than I do.

I can't stand the sight of the jerk. Furthermore, I haven't watched MSNBC in about 1 1/2 years. I don't miss it at all, there are far better news sources. Well, if you want to call what they air "news".

:eyes:

[Captain Hilts]

55. He lives in my 'hood and I've seen him at Tastee Diner. nt

[vaberella]

57. Really? Say you know a crazy fangirl, from NYC, who hates Pat Buchanan but loves his show.

n/t

[Thrill]

11. She sounds like a good liberal to me

. I'm sure Obama has read over several of her opinions and legal rulings.

[kwenu]

23. No. Not here.

[NYC_SKP]

31. Not me, no argument here.

But my, there is so much drama here lately.

Why, did you know that the timing of this appointment was designed to take attention away from the Bush-Obama permanent preventive detention plan??/!!!

It's true, I read it right here in GDP!!!

[krawhitham]

33. He put Texas in play for 2012

[rufus dog]

34. If the stupid pukes keep on her then put the final nail in the coffin

The Dems could swing AZ, solidify Nevada, solidify Colorado, Texas may be a stretch, but if Repubs are spending money defending Texas then it is over. They will have the deep south, Utah, Idaho and Nebraska.

[Boomerang Diddle]

39. No worries here!

[leftofthedial]

40. he knows what he is doing.

she's a moderately right-of-center corporatist authoritarian-lite, just like Obama. Perfect pick.

[ClarkUSA]

49. Really? FACT: Sotomayor ruled in favor of minimum wage for homeless workers in class action suit

Link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8432716

This, plus her pro-baseball players' union ruling during the last strike and her recent pro-affirmative action New Haven, CT fire department ruling all sound like pretty progressive to me.

[redqueen]

53. I guess that's the new definition of "moderately right-of-center corporatist authoritarian-lite"

:crazy:

[ClarkUSA]

54. !!!

:rofl:

[leftofthedial]

75. I'm in favor of the pick. I didn't mean "perfect choice" sarcastically.

[girl gone mad]

67. yup.

But probably the best we could have hoped for from Obama.

[Cha]

80. Your post is so full

of shit. Get educated and then discuss.

[NYC_SKP]

43. Sotomayor is a distraction while Bush/Obama builds Secret Detainee Prisons!!11!!

In Arkansas on former Whitewater land.

Where he will hold thousands of "indefinite preventive prophylactic innocent detainees", who he is rounding up RIGHT FUCKING NOW!!!

But you did NOT hear it from me!!!

[cooolandrew]

44. Randi comforted me well the other day saying would the memos ever of got released under the last >

administration. And when a person focuses on that you do see we are in a whole new era just government is a very slow moving process. We most likely need more patience and little more faith. I think Sotomayor will be a fine replacement as a reasoned moderate.

[Political Heretic]

74. When I "Focus" what I see is this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=5696719

[Mass]

45. Why? Because he chose the person the GOP opposes rather than one of those they wanted?

(for whathever reason).

I think he knows exactly what he is doing and she is perfectly qualified for the job and a liberal. So sad some live in an ivory tower.

Where does the idea she is a moderate come from anyway? Because she lives in the real world and not in academia?

[jmondine]

60. I'd be worried if he did always know what he was doing

Look at how utterly certain Bush was of his every action and infallible choices.

[4lbs]

66. That's because Bush shut off his brain and let an imaginary entity tell him what to do.

n/t

[jmondine]

68. Dick Cheney is imaginary?

If only it were so

[4lbs]

79. No, he and his far-right Evangelicals "prayed to God" to tell them what to do.

n/t

[OmahaBlueDog]

88. Karl Rove ain't imaginary, and he was George W's "divine inspiration"

[Cha]

78. Have you read this?..

jefferson_dem (1000+ posts)

"Source: Obama's pick wasn't pegged to Scalia - looking for someone to win over Justice Kennedy"

He was looking for someone with the ability to win over Justice Anthony Kennedy, the crucial swing vote.

" was very struck, when he met with her, about how thoughtful she was as a judge," says the source. "He believed she had a precise approach to cases that would be effective in winning over Kennedy when possible."

The president considered Sotomayor's opinions to be "rigorous, precise, not overly flamboyant." Reports have called her more workmanlike than visionary – a precision that impressed Obama, who is looking to turn narrow decisions his way.

As for getting Sotomayor past the Senate: A decision has been made not to go the route of picking an outside lobbyist, as Republicans often do, to play "sherpa" for the nominee. The model instead is the way the late Sen. Pat Moynihan helped shepherd Ruth Bader Ginsburg's nomination through the Senate.

This time, it's another New York senator, Chuck Schumer, who will be Sotomayor's point man. Cynthia Hogan will lead the White House legal team on this effort, making courtesy calls next week. She will joined by Susan Davies and Ron Klain.

How will Sotomayor do at the hearings? This source points out that she's "got the most experience as a judge than anyone who's been nominated for the court in 70 years." Republicans, he said, told the president to nominate someone with judicial experience, and that is what Obama did. "She is very effective face to face, and has been on the bench for 17 years," he says. "She knows how to deal with public advocates."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8436142

[La Lioness Priyanka]

81. no, i think he made a very astute choice

[quakerboy]

83. I suspect that he does know what he is doing

I support his choice. But I had hoped for better. I had hoped for someone who would challenge not only the "how do we get to our answer" but the answers themselves. A hefty Progressive, if you will. I do not understand this pick to be that. That falls right in line with my perception that Obama does not seem to be about my idea of "better", opting instead for moderate. An active accomplished moderate, but moderate none the less.

We are miles ahead of where we would be under McCain. I wish we were miles ahead of where we were.

[samplegirl]

87. No he knows exactly what he is doing....

talk about a grand strategist

[OmahaBlueDog]

89. The pick was politically calculated

Hopefully, she will pass vetting. For all of their promise of professionalism, the Obama team did a so-so to bad job picking top level cabinet officials who could pass scrutiny.

1) Woman
2) Hispanic
3) Clinton nominee - presumed liberal (history shows you don't know how they vote until they are on the SC bench)
4) The Puerto Rico connection - Obama is trying to woo them to join and become State 51. This should help.
5) Compelling story (as an aside, I loved Stephanie Miller's comment that Al Gonzalez' home got "smaller and smaller" every time his life story was retold).
6) Current Circuit Court Judge

The pick is hard to seriously attack at any level. It will score points with a signifigant voter block, and create problems for the GOP if they attack carelessly. The 2001 comment is unfortunate in how it is being spun, but won't sink her unless a pattern of other similar comments emerge.

[Butch350]

92. NOT FOR ONE MOMENT!

!.