What Was Obama Thinking When He Described Himself Like This? Michael Miller Michael Miller On November 25, 2013 mikesright.wordpress/ Barack Obama described Congressional Republicans Sunday as an “impediment” to governing. That’s not the news – he says as much all the time. The “news” is how he chose to describe himself. Speaking in Seattle at the first of five star-studded West Coast fundraisers, Obama first criticized Republicans as being “more focused on positioning themselves for the next election” (more on that hypocrisy in a bit) before contrasting himself in a favorable light: “I’m not a particularly ideological person.” Moreover (and just as astonishing), Obama also said that while he was passionate about his beliefs, he considers himself to be “pretty pragmatic” about his approach to achieving his objectives. Okay, let’s define terms, shall we? From Merriam-Webster: Ideological: Visionary theorizing; a manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an individual, group, or culture; the integrated assertions, theories and aims that constitute a sociopolitical program. Pragmatic: Dealing with the problems that exist in a specific situation in a reasonable and logical way instead of depending on ideas and theories; relating to matters of fact or practical affairs often to the exclusion of intellectual or artistic matters; practical as opposed to idealistic. And here’s the kicker in a quote from K.B. Clark: “Pragmatic men of power have had no time or inclination to deal with … social morality.” So, does Obama “theorize” based on the “characteristics of an individual, group or culture,” or does he attempt to govern irrespective of ideology, choosing to make decisions based on “matters of fact”? Wealth redistribution (“spreading the wealth around,” as he likes to call it) aimed solely at “making things more fair” has yet to create a successful society. Yet, despite that fact, Obama continues to believe it will. As for Clark’s reference to “social morality,” has that not be a cornerstone of the Obama presidency? Incidentally, Obama’s assertion that it is the Republicans who “are more focused on positioning themselves for the next election” was laughable. Which party was it, just two weeks ago, that abandoned the U.S.S. ObamaCare like it was on fire, threatening to side with the Republicans if Obama himself did not offer a “fix” – precisely due to the upcoming 2014 midterms? Besides, it can be argued that nearly every political decision Obama has made since at least the 2012 election has been with an eye toward the midterms; holding the Senate and recapturing the House. After all, while Obama will never be king, in his mind, two years in office with Democrats in control of both chambers would be the next best thing.
Posted on: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:28:50 +0000
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