State of the Union Reaction

Obama's speech was a good one, as it always is. The real question is whether it has any effect. A politician making an inspiring speech, begging for progress and bipartisanship, is hardly an uncommon event yet nothing ever gets done. If the year has taught him anything, it's that Democrats are spineless and Republicans are obstructionists. George W Bush got things done (regardless of what you think of the results) because he didn't let the weak knees and ankle biting of the Congress slow him down and Obama should take a page out of his book by shaming them into action. If he really believes in getting rid of Don't Ask Don't Tell, getting healthcare reform, getting a new energy policy, and other policies passed, he can't depend on the kindness and fortitude of people like Olympia Snowe and Joe Lieberman.

The Democrats are in real trouble in November because they've managed to push everyone away. Republicans aren't going for Liberalism Lite and Democrats are not going to go to the polls for watered down garbage. The first year has been problematic because Obama is playing Goldilocks. You can't shoot for the policy that's just right because then nobody's happy and they won't vote for it. Either make real concessions and get bipartisan support or aim high and pass solid liberal bills. No more Mr. Nice Guy, Mr. President. When you know you're right, be forceful and remind people that you were elected to represent the nation, not cower to the whining of the media and the loudest of the whackjobs. There was a glimmer of hope when he ripped the Republicans for not applauding tax breaks and the Supreme Court for its Citizens United decision; we'll see if he continues this.

Leadership is the courage to tell Democrats, Republicans, and Independents when they're wrong, when they're corrupt, and when they're in the way.