Ron.

You are right. The American public has a short attention span.

Saving my "Fired up and ready to go!" until after Labor day.

I'm fired up! Your right how come the people that are so into guns keep shooting themselves. Ha Ha

Your comment is so true. I agree, wait until this fall--we'll see Obama speak about his vision and we'll remember that staying home election day won't help him succeed for us. Right now, the right-wing radicals like Barton, Angle, Paul are doing a good job of knocking down any GOP momentum they may have gained.

It's sad that we have to stay on the ball to fight the lies of the Republicans; however, I, for one, worked very very hard for 3 long years to put this man in the WH. Once we got him in there, we didn't thing the Repubs would absolutely freaking lose their minds so we would have to listen to their filthy lying garbage 24/7 with the help of the media. I myself have been resting somewhat. When the time comes for us to get fired up we will be, and more than ready to go. Somehow the media, and the Repubs, have gotten the idea that the louder they shout, the more lies they tell that don't get debunked by the media, that it makes it just soooooo exciting. Well, it doesn't....it's boring and embarrassing and really pisses me off. When I say embarrassing, I mean I certainly am embarrassed for the Repubs who even thought they have been having hissy fits since President Obama was elected, they just don't seem to be making too much headway, and as stated by others, they are shooting themselves in the foot. There's only so much ridiculous spectacle Americans will take before the start to back away from it.

President Obama is doing a great job. He's not kicking the can down the road. Look to your Repub hold-outs for blame placing. He is doing his best, and that's a lot more than could have been said for McCain/Palin (scary thought).

Those who have been behind him are still behind, perhaps even more so. We're just saving it all for the big push!!!!

Seeing as the health-care bill is unconstitutional, I'd say the dems are worried it will get repealed. One simple fact makes it unconstitutional: It FORCES you to buy something (insurance). Now, before someone brings up the 'you HAVE to buy car insurance too' argument, think about this: you have a choice as to weather not you drive a vehicle on public roads. You DON'T have a choice over weather you're born or not.

The idiot liberal news wants everything at once and keep putting the President down. The right has proven it has no clue but many on the left are now showing they have no information either. What has happened to facts, answering quetions, etc. The media stinks but we the people get it.

I am heartened by the fact that someone of the scholarly class has stepped forward to set the record straight about FDR. He accomplished great things for the United States, but none of it happened overnight and he got grief too. Just not in a 24/7 news cycle with pundits screaming about "what a loser!"

President Obama has a vision for our country that is hard for some to wrap their brain around. He has said many times that America needs to live up to it's promise. We can do this but it wont be easy for us just like it was not easy for our forefathers.

Our republic can be unwieldy sometimes and democracy at work can be ugly. But I would not trade it and I am glad the President is trying to improve it and save it. Contrary to what the Birthers, Oathers, and Tea Partiers would have us believe.

Exactly. It's not time to be fired up. The tea partiers have fear and hate on their side. That's why they're so LOUD. The rest of us, just biding our time.

Simpler than any deep analysis is that democrats believe in bigger government yet they know they do not know how to govern. Furthermore they have shown time and again that they are unable, or unwilling to circle the wagons around their leaders when times are tough.

I mean Really Really!! You guys are more delusional than I even thought!! Nothing will save your beloved Liberal Progressives come November and deep down you know it...It is time for the Democrats to take back their party or they will go away for along time...Come election day people will all ask the same question they always do " Am I better off this year than last year or hell even 2 years ago and for the 10 million people still unemployed by this anti-american Job killer the answer will be a big FAT NO" Demean people and then expect them to help you look good...Big business says screw you Osama and we will choke you out of office. Dont bite the hand that feeds you Lobby Boy!!! So I ask you Liberals where are the jobs jobs jobs...thats what people really care about not Global Warming, Gay Marriage dont ask dont tell bull@!$%#, gitmo or any other of your Yuppy Keeping up with Joneses Fake Ass @!$%#...Grow up and grow a set or Get the Hell out..

Besides the Dr. Savage tone, I agree 100%. Put $ in people's wallets and you get re-elected. Take it out and back off to the abyss you go.

Ron,
Maybe those of us who knocked on doors for this President are less concerned with the issues you raise and more concerned with: Overreaching government able to search without warrant, eavesdrop without oversight and always legislating the needs of pharmaceutical, defense and financial industries. I appreciate the moderating affect of the White House on its occupants, "Don't Tread on Me" and "Live Free or Die" are potent rallying cries for any American. Democrat's would be well advised to adopt a position of limiting government intrusion into the private lives and choices of its citizens.

I don't have time to say much, but I think there is a lack of entheusiam.

In my view, the real reason nobody is fired up is because the president looks like a deer in the headlights right now, and it's hard to have confience in sombody like that. He doesn't know what to do right now. At least we knew that President Bush would make a decision and go with it (even if it wasn't always the best decision, you have to start somewhere!) Lord Obama's real lack of leadership is showing up when we need it most, and that my friends is disheartening...

Please father, may I have another...

Yes, I want more of exactly the same thing that got into this mess in the first place...republicans have no answers. Period.

In addition, I believe they intentionally threw the last election (nominated Palin) so they wouldn't have to deal with what we're all dealing with right now...but wow how that backfired and now 20% of America thinks Palin is just swell, and presidential...O M G

Never again will I vote republican until they can admit defeat, look in the mirror, and move on from obsessively identifying villains to cover the smell coming from their own azz...

You liberals are correct about Obama having a vision and working toward it. His vision is a socialistic, European-style, welfare state. Wake up liberals before it's too late. Why do you think some of the European Countries are now trying to move away from the fiscally irresponsible left wing policies that are bankrupting the entire continent? It becomes unsustainable once the wealth gets redistributed and there's no more Peter to rob to pay the housing, insurance, food, transportation, etc. etc. for all the liberals who just want to be happy and have peace and love throuhout the world. Get real, we live in a world where Obama sits before the camera daily while the Iranians and North Koreans develop weapons they will use against us. I don't understand the mind of a liberal. It's illogical. Liberalism must be a mental disorder.

"Why aren't Democrats fired up and ready to go?" Because Harry and Nancy are their leaders which is like having his and her General Custers!!!

I appreciate what everyone said above about resting and waiting until November. The problem though is elections are won in the middle and the consistend pounding from the right is affecting the independents in the midddle such that many now believe Obama is more to blame for the oil spill for instance than the Republicans!!! the party of big oil. Added to our continuous harping and criticism of our own guy and the impression the middle has is that he is inept and wrong for the country hence his approval ratings!!!

Maybe they’re not fired up and ready because they are finally realizing what a bunch of losers they elected a couple years ago. Maybe they realize there’s no free lunch. Maybe they realize how much this free health is going to cost them. Maybe they realize there is no possible hope for democrats in 2010 or 2012. Maybe they realize Obama can do nothing after the November elections but sit in the Oval Office and twiddle his thumbs until he is fired in 2012.

Who are these people that continue to write this crap...I mean really, pull your head out of your ass and look around, your article does not represent the majority of the American population...its just some crazy wet dream shared by the delusional, elitist few...Thankfully!

Dems are so quick to blame the Repubs for this oil spill....I wonder what kind of gas mileage all the Dems get? Drill. I don't see too many people, including our pres, driving hybrids. Think before you speak Dems....and becareful what you wish for.

The only thing liberal can do is name calling. Just like Arizona good new law where the majority of americans support it the liberal haven't even read it yet call it racist. When will liberals realize the majority of americans do not want to live in a country where lazy people continue to get section 8 housing food stamps welfare and many other entitlements they do not deserve.America was built strong by people working and earning their way not riding on the backs of others as most liberals like. have a good day!

HMMMMMM!! LEMME SEE, MARK MURRAY WROTE THE ARTICLE FROM NBC. IS THAT RELATED TO MSNBC?

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes. ONLY a Liberal Progressive can see a flicker of hope for the Democrats in November. But I'm sure Obama will break out of his slump by then and get unemployment down to 8%,,,,AS PROMISED! Then I'm sure he'll have us out of GITMO,,,,AS PROMISED! Then I'm sure he'll have us out of Iraq and Afghanistan by then,,,,AS PROMISED! I'm sure eventually he'll have the legislative talks in Congress on C-Span,,,,AS PROMISED! OH WAIT, how about that NO TAXES for anyone under $250,000 but now taxing health care benefits, of course unless your one of his stooges in the unions,,,,AS PROMISED! I'm sure he won't allow ANY earmarks on any Bills, those 9,000 earmarks on the omnibus budget were "misread",,,,AS PROMISED! OH OH,,,how about "I won't force anyone to buy health insurance",,,,AS PROMISED! What else, lemme think,,oh yeah, how about that "sunlight before signing" of 5 days,,,,AS PROMISED!

SHALL I GO ON???????????????

The ONLY thing this article DID get right is that FDR was a Socialist Liberal Progressive. Thank God he didn't get his "Second Bill of Rights" through otherwise we'd be joining Greece, Spain, Belgium and other Socialist countries rioting in the streets. Even though the possibility of this occuring here soon is very real because of our totally incompetent empty suit president's inability to have ANY kind of Economic Policy whatsoever.

BUT HEY DEMOCRATS, GO FOR IT ON NOVEMBER 3RD.

So the pundits want the Dems to get all fired up for elections that are going to take place several months form now and 2.4 years from now......LOL

Isn't there a saying that goes something like, ' if you are a hammer you believe everything is a nail? I suppose that is to say that the pundits and talking heads are wanting something to analyze or to talk to death, and it seems the democrat voters are not giving it to them. LOL

As an Independent I can't get my self worked up anymore about any of it........ I am tired of the talking heads talking at cross purposes with themselves.

I am tired of seeing or hearing about the latest polls as if polls vote, or what they indicate is gospel and really proves how or if people will vote come election day.

I am tired of reporters that do not report what is actually happening rather giving their opinion on what happened or will happen or was said.... instead of reporting ... using the old ...what, where, when, who, how and possibly why, without bias.

I am tired of journalists who make themselves and their opinions the news rather questioning/investigating and giving unbiased info using the old, what, where, when, who, how and possibly why.

I am tired of every one who appears on one of these news talk program pushing a book...... some books may be worth the perusal but ...... a book by Glen Beck and Sarah Palin?

I am tired of the same old political faces.... the inevitable republican pundit/ advisor and the inevitable democrat pundit/ advisor or what ever they call themselves....

I am tired of the same old same old name calling and the old this ism and that ism by the usual loud mouthed uninformed carrying a placard or sign.

I am tired of the same old ambushing of polititians etc then putting the possible confrontation etc all on facebook or where ever like the Foxers. Imagine .... Facebook journalism.....what a concept.. LOL

Who are you? What are you? Who do you represent...... I am a Facebook journalist ...... LOL

I am a Faux journalist, I work for the faces at the Fauxes.... LOL ...... I, am a hammer looking for a nail or to nail.....anyone.... someone...LOL

Perhaps they should start a new program..... Face and Faux.....LOL Where you can see yourself cry or watch someone else pretending to cry......or visa versa. LOL

I am tired of the republicans and their naysaying, do nothingness even as the country tanks while they blame the dems and the Prez for all the problems, even the ones they caused or are causing, and I am equally tired of the democrats trying to be inclusive and placatory and not growing a pair and getting things done without them. I am also tired of those democrats pretending to be democtats when in actuality they are just republicans who could not get elected as republicans in their states so they ran as democrats..... Hope that made sense....... Here's looking at you, blue dogs.....LOL

I am tired of everyone blaming the President alone for everything, while even they do nothing.....Perhaps they should be blaming his advisors and administration as well..

I am tired of the polititians and some people in Louisiana complaining of the moratorium even as their back yard fills up with oil from a busted well that was not safely done or cut corners and others that may be equally questionable........

By the way by saying I am tired I should probably say I am bored...... even I am doing a double speak now.... sigh

why are the demwits so afraid of glen beck and palin, is it because they speak the truth and their books are no 1 sales and what obout fox, at least fox has a democrat and a rep. (fair and balanced) nbc,msnbc are so jealous because they have no rateings and going broke plus they are in love with a no experienced organizer american hater and american apologizer who dont deserve to be called president. nbc msnbc are owned by G.E. who need cap and trade passed so they can make millions of dollars. the demwits are always putting bek, palin and oriely down because their afraid of them. beck and oriely keep an open invitation for the pres. but he knows better instead other democrats have to go to take up for him and they are running out of talking points books become best sellers for a reason,I dont see to many best sellers by dems. the pres has time for golf movie stars musical awards and more vacations in one year than most get in ten. most are on permanent vac. now because unemployment has never got to where the pres. promised it just keeps on riseing just like the nat. debt. that obama has tripled. thank got he will be history in 2012.

carlyss man............ YOU BEEN DRINKING WAY TO MUCH KOOLAID!!!! you sound just like those idiots over at fox...........verbatum. shut up and get a god damn brain!!!

I listen to the people that make the most sense and show both sides ,you need to ck youself and why your at it ck the rateings fox news is wathed by more people than all other stations combined you just dont want to face facts.

also its just like obamas thinking to use god and dam on a public debaTE

Sorry

WHY was Obama MUTE AND SILENT during the HCR debate ? Why didn't he denounce 'Death Panels' as a lie He ISN'T very dynamic He ISN'T Bold He ISN'T effective

A missed opportunity with a 60 Senate majority

Don't blame the messengar

I think he probably believed that the congress, including those DINO blue dogs, were adults and were capable of moving themselves toward the people and away from the corporations. We never had a MAJORITY as those blue dogs were never going to vote against big business. They were not following the Democratic platform. Did you by any chance write any letters to those blue dogs? Or live in a state where they reside so you can vote them out and perhaps vote in a real democrat. He was not mute and silent. He was gracious in believing that everyone has the best for Americans in mind. We found out differently. And if people really believed in "death panels", no one was going to dissuade them, especially when the Republican leadership played right into it, lying and disgracing their positions. Hold them accountable.

We did get HCR, maybe not exactly the way we wanted it, but it's a start to build on.

But I guess you liked Bush's style better....bring it on, cowboy style that made us the target of the rest of the world. Maybe you also are a DINO. It sure sounds like it from your postings.

During the primary and general I used to read your posts and felt like you were a strong supporter of the ideals of the party. Now all I hear is criticism. You're entitled to your feelings and beliefs, but I also am entitled to differ with you.

deceit lyeing,and closed door politics.It;s no wonder rebubs can;t and dont want anything to do with this adm. dont forget about all the broken promises promises that helped get elected.like full trnsparency,and no more pork spending,what happened to those promises.

Good afternoon Pat: With First Thoughts scattered on to three posting sites, I missed your earlier comments. But as always you are right on. We Progressives have a lot to be proud of and the media will not put us down. Today I hate to bring up a basketball analogy, but it is not even halftime and nobody remembers the halftime score. We will do well in November when we see the final score. Keith and Rachel were both on track last night. Rest easy my friend.

Of course some of the so-called "progressives" will never do it. Because they are the "real" progressives. We are just blind loyalists.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Right again, BLIND Loyalists

Explain WHY he Didn't SPEAK OUT on Death Panels ? Why he DIDN'T Hold a press conference on HCR ? Why Doesn't he hold a Presser on Financial Reform ? He's ALLOWING the goopers to control the spot light and the Dialog

He's PASSIVE and WEAK

Other than that, I think he's great

I support Obama, but some loyalists here can't seem to see beyond the rose colored glasses

I DESPISE his silence on Gaza, while people were sufffering War Crimes during the Israeli assault, he said NOTHING Thanks Barack Did you notice his ratings yesterday ? Not very high is Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt I wonder why ?

Sierra,

YOU support the President????

There is a disconnect, I'm missing something, my old eyes must be playing tricks, nah, I must have misread some of your posts. I Probably' miscontructed' them, damn, I'll have to do better in comprehension.

Ron, it's perfectly fine bringing up basketball. It was a great series and we all here in Boston enjoyed the fact they the Celtics made it as far as they did. Deep disappointment, certainly. Hopes were high when we went up 3-2. They just couldn't bring it home.

Have a great weekend youself.

MSierra, here we go with the loyalists label again. Our goal in 2010 is to elect more Democrats. Our goal shouldn't be to kick President Obama to the curb, like the activists are doing, day and night. It's laugh out loud funny how powerful and smart they believe they are. It's been a year and a half. Gaza? What would you like him to do? Go public and give Israel the "kiss of death?" He's the president, not a talk show host. Clinton is working with them day and night to freakin' attempt to resolve this thing. Obama is in constant contact with Netanyahu. He and Obama are night and day in their beliefs. However, Israel, whether you like it or not, needs protection. Hamas cannot be trusted.

Generations have gone by and no one has been able to resolve this. He's trying. Everyone else is whining.

You support Obama? lol That's what they all say. And it's a joke.

Passive and weak? President Obama? You have got to be kidding me! lol

What do you think? I voted for him, just so I could berate him 24/7? No thank you. I'm realistic. I don't have all the answers. Or power. Neither does he.

I can't help but think that part of this has to do with our outlook. We are supposed to be the reasonable, rational party, so willing to see both sides of an issue, and willing to look at all points of view, even those that in the end we reject. In this we contrast ourselves with the simple-minded, black-and-white, no-room-for-compromise worldview of the Republicans. This makes us oh-so-rational, but also doesn't give us that tinge of fanaticism that the Republicans have. It also allows us to congratulate ourselves whenever we find something to criticize on our own side; "look at how fair we are, we'll even attack ourselves!" Now this may not be true on this board, but seems to be true in general. Lingering fear of being labelled 'liberal' after the Republicans demonized the word? Who knows. But it does seem to drive down our enthusiasm, especially without something to work against. Just a thought; I could be wrong.

Pat:

I concur.

Your comments were deep. They made me reflect as I often do on the goodness of life here in America.

I just wish more people, especially extremist on both sides of the political spectrum would stop and embrace the good things that happen and not be so quick to see negativity in every "little" thing.

Non sequitor: Sorry about the Celtics...

What we are doing to bring down Obama is stronger than what GOPers are doing because it sends a stronger message to the middle. Maybe Sierra will be happier with what Palin or Romney will do iin Gaza from 2012 and all the press conferences they will hold.

Fired up or not, satisfied or not, we as citizens have an obligation to vote. We may have to hold our noses to do it, but the obligation remains. If some poor b@st@rd can get his hindquarters shot off defending my right, I can sure as hell exercise that right. Enthusiasm is optional. It's also a question of attitude. How much enthusiasm do you have for the Republicans, for chrissakes!! They ain't going away just because we don't show up!

I've been thinking about that a lot lately too. When did 60 become a majority of 100? How can one Senator stop something from even coming up for discussion? That can't be what the founders had in mind when they designed the system. Why bother to have the Vice President as a tie breaker if nothing can be decided by simple majority? How did this happen, and how come no one seems to notice or care? This does not seem right to me, and I don't understand why it just seems to be accepted practice with no objection from anyone.

Dare I say, that this man is a true fraud and wants nothing more than to give this nation to his muslims brothers. Should you wake up and look at the legislation that is pending currently, you as all your breathen will find out exactly what this man has in store for this country. He want's to take away all rights of the American People. Not just Republicans but democrats alike, when that happens and your are confined to your home wondering what the hell happened, you will have only your self to blame. Wake up and do some research as I have done. I to have voted for this Illegal President.

dodger64, those meds were prescribed for a reason. Take 'em.

lol, there's someone who's fired up, but I don't think he's with us democrats. Listen to SidJustice, Take your medication

Most of you commenting scare the hell out of me!

I wonder what I am missing when you spout how great this president is. He is not a leader, he is a politician. He has no interest in what "We the People" want. He has his own agenda, and it is not what is best for this country. He is doing his best to destroy this nation from the inside out so the far left can rebuild it into a fascist country. They could care less for you or anyone else. They want total control and power. Progressive is one thing, but that is not what this man is about.

It is a lie to deny half of what you are. Obama is half black and half white. He has not had to struggle, so there really is not way for him to know what the majority of the black race has had to go through. He was raised by well off white grand parents. His agenda has nothing to do with equal rights or social justice. It has to do with HIS own desire for power. He will use who ever and what ever to get it.

He also went to college on a kenya scholarship .

obama took his meds its called crack.

Feisty,

I get "Fired up and ready to go" everytime a GOP opens their mouth. Ready, to go

after Labor Day. Most voters will not be paying attention, until then.

Good point... guess in the meantime we'll have to continue to play whack a troll @ FR! lol

Gotta love Whack-a-Troll, I can play this game for Hours and Hours!!

Good stuff isn't it B.Honest?

That's not it - and enough about BP! BP - socializing loss and privatizing gains for more than a century!!

Socialism is irrelevant we are not a Socialist country, learn what words mean before you mimic them. We have some social programs but were not Socialist, and the programs we have nobody wants to give up, like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, so they just sound like the silly tea totalers.

Margaret Thatcher was rightly called: the Passionaria of Privledge

Look how well de-regulation and tax cuts for the rich has served us

Grump: So, your point is that America is now only a partly socialist country. If Obama and the lefty liberals in Congress have their way America will be a fully socialist country in no time at all. Old Europe is now discovering the wisdom of Thacher's words.

No actually Joe we will become more socialist if we continue with the trickle down economics and republican policies of deregulation and max profits at all costs. When people work their whole life at a job that pays barely over minimum wage, and they have no health care, no pension, then they have to depend exclusively on social programs like medicare, medicaid, food stamps, and the prescription drug program (republican social program courtesy GWB). Many republicans complain about unions but their employers provide benefits at no cost to the taxpayer. Either private industry pays these costs as part of employee compensation usually negotiated by collective bargaining by unions, (this method is capitalism) or the government has to provide health care and such and this method is a Social program. Union employers make a profit, and provide a safer workplace, better pay, and benefits at no cost to the taxpayer and then they are called the socialists. Why shouldn't a person who works their entire life at a profitable industry be able to retire with a little dignity and security. I don't know anybody who wants to be a ward of the state except these "right to work for less and less" fools. Unregulated greed will lead to more socialism not unions and the collective bargaining system.

Grump said "Union employers make a profit, and provide a safer workplace, better pay, and benefits at no cost to the taxpayer and then they are called the socialists."

Right........ That must be why heavily unionized employers are doing so well:

Autos (They won't be costing taxpayer's anything, will they?)

Airlines

Steel

State govts

Maybe the solution to the jobs problem is to have Obama and Congress mandate that all employees belong to a union. LOL!!!

Tell me one non union employer that pays better than the union shop because his employees "merit it" some of the most profitable companies the world has ever known must think their employees merit didly. They never pay more and they never charge less, the union shop has to be the low bidder to get the job so how is that he can turn a profit and pay better. How come if the unions are the cause of business woes the non union shops who do not have that burden don't pay better. They should be able to pay way better and the union guys would want to work for them. It has never happened. Name one any non union industry that pays their employee's better because they are more efficient and their employee's "merit" more pay. The fact is the non union shops employ the best talent and the hardest workers and they pay for it. The auto workers are not asking you for food stamps and medicine. Wal-mart makes billions but you pick up the tab for their employee's health care then knock the union shop. Your a Socialist!

I have a typo obviously, I meant the union shops hire the best talent. thank you

I'm waiting for a list of super profitable non-union employers that pay better than their non-union counterparts. Funny how the people that produce the products are always blamed not the decisions or compensation of management. Anyway as long as people are willing to work for less and less and companies are not taxed on the extra profit the government will be forced to maintain a bunch of poor, old, sick, retired Wal-mart employee's. We tried for 8 years but income and purchasing power went down, when does the trickle start. I'm waiting for this wealth to trickle down, worker productivity went up profits went up and still no merit pay increases. When will the wealth trickle down to you and me Joe.

Still waiting for that list. I'll be waiting as long as those who are waiting for the generosity and benevolence of the corporation to give them a raise because profits are good and you deserve it. Are we there yet?

Not even one non union employer that pays better. How about the oil companies they have made a good profit lately. Any non union oil workers out there getting a raise, increase in benefits, or increase in pension, or just getting blown to bits in the quest for more profit. 26 states are right to work and every one of them has lower wages than the states that do not - every last one. You can't blame the crappy wages in Arkansas (for example) on the unions. I'll be waiting for that list.

Have a nice weekend folks.

I can think of several non union companies here in Denver that pay their employees better than the union companies. They have a couple of the best and they pay them what they deserve.

Unions have outlived their usefulness. Most employers would pay a fair wage. And then the cost wouldn't be as high to the consumer. Unions add to the cost of everything.

Grump, there is no question that union wages and benefits are generally higher than non-union wages. That's what makes heavily unionized companies UNCOMPETITIVE, AND THUS LIKELY TO FAIL. Go back and re-read my list. The only area that cannot fail is govts. That's why union membership in private undustry has been on a long steady decline while union membership in govts. has been rising. Even that golden egg laying goose is now starting to strangle its customers (taxpayers) and they are starting to push back.

When I was in high school and college I worked part-time in a small unionized grocery store chain (25 stores) for five years. I got great pay, some health and dental ins. (even as a PT employee), vacation days, paid holidays, time and a half for Sunday work, etc, The full-timers had it even better, the contract GUARANTEED them four hours of Mon.-Sat. time and a half OT every week. It was GREAT until about two years after I left (after college graduation) and the company shut down due to high labor costs that made their prices uncompetitive and all those union employees were forced to go to work in the real world.

So I think there is a toxic combination of unrealistic expectations to start with and fear that each compromise represents being sold down the river by the Obama Adminsitration.

----------------------

Sorry, he's been weak and craven Not that his supporters see that

Talk about the Bland leading the Blind

Nash:

But hey, it is still not even the halfway point of President Obama's first term, and so I think alot of this is natural and will work itself out, despite the media's need to turn every bump in the road into a failure for the Obama Adminsitration and a set back for "the left".

Sooner or later, reality always wins out, and that is what gives me hope.

Excellent analysis and until many stop the drama and realize where we actually are; Republicans will win the war with words and Democrats will keep all of their destructive factual video's locked away in a vault growing dust. I think that they've forgotten that President Obama hasn't been in office two years yet; but has accomplished a hell of a lot. If MSM stop using the word "deep recession" and call it what it really was a "Deep Depression (just as they've sensationalized the oil disaster) the blinders of denial will fall.

Hey Pat, Boston - I keep hoping that MSNBC tv will get rid of the last of the Tricky Dick Nixxon trash - Wailing Old Woeman Patty Buchanan. Just can't stand this Nixon criminal hugger propagandist who belongs at Fox and Freaks not at MSNBC tv. Lucky you got to meet John Dean and he is correct that Patty Buchanan will never change, evolution and honesty just aren't in his DNA.

I wish I could meet Drugster Lush Limburger, in a dark alley. Two go in and only one comes out! Man he disgusts me with his many cruel and wicked comments, like the other day when he whined about the school lunch program. He just doesn't get it that there are too many poor people in our country and he'd rather watch the children of poor peoiple starve to death so that he can mollycoddle the rich and greedy like himself for more tax cut welfare for the rich and greedy. I wish that the McDonald's Make a Wish Foundation could make my most desired wish come true, because I'd be saying "Scratch One Fatboy Liar"!

MSNBC tv Scratch One Nixxon Liar!

You'd have to leave the country and that might not be far enough, but you go tough guy bahahahahha

Pat:

There isn't a damn thing funny about the old bastard's remarks that he get's paid to say.

Man he disgusts me with his many cruel and wicked comments....

You disgust me with your constant berating and putting people down on this thread day after day. Who do you thing you are? You come on here daily and do nothing but insult people and call them names. You criticize someone for their "cruel and wicked comments" while spewing your own cruel and wicked comments. For once why don't you try contributing to the debate with actual facts rather than simply putting people down?

What would you do Eric Sissy slap him and Scratch his eyes out LOL!!! I am impressed with your Butt Buddies on this blog excepting the fact that you are and always will be LOSERS in November and 2012..So smack Eric on the butt and call him Susie and Lets get fired up and by the way NO YOU CANT HAHA..

Hell yes! Thats it right there you said it all Eric! Read his post Author, its ruff, but it explains the sensitivity of the situation.

And don't worry, we'll be at the polls in November

First Eric I do not blame Mr. Obama for starting the spill . That was BP's fault of course . What you fail to understand is that he took charge of overseeing the cleanup . Which is the reason for the spill growing larger . If I had been in charge I would have called in all experts from around the world . A thing by the way Mr. Obama refused to do because he thinks he God. Until recently that is .

Yep. Dean was doing pretty good, until he opened his mouth, and something really really strange rolled out. Kimd of like that Sarah whats-her-name bovine.

Howard Dean's 50 state strategy had the Republican's number in 2008. That's what I'm really talking about on another post where I mention strategy and the importance of the long term view. Republicans decided long ago that they would be present wherever something is happening, whereas for many years Democrats only wanted to play where they can win. Well, Republicans have managed to make the entire liberal state of California ungovernable from their enclave behind the Orange Curtain. Never give up, take what you can get at any moment, and you win the battle eventually.

As someone who was in the tent when that photo above was taken, I can say that the media killed Howard Dean's presidential run with technology. There were 3500 people at the event, all chanting and laughing and shouting -- the "scream" was barely heard. But when the media showed the video clip, all the background noise was edited out, and it made the Governor look like a fool -- when he was just hoarse and happy and trying to wind up his speech. And that was the clip that was picked up and run and run and run, ad nauseum.

Farley -- I'd appreciate it if you could leave personal abusive comments out. I'm not "moronic" and I supported Governor Dean. People can think and feel differently than you and not be a moron. Really. But you have a nice day now.

Yeah, getting back to work seems like a good idea CU . . . and get a sip of water . . . clearly you must be getting dehydrated or sumthin.

Mercy.

Nash what you are witnessing here is the reason why right now old Chuckles here is the current driver leader in the Cheerio Go-Kart racing cup series this year.

Glad to hear he has a talent IR, I was afraid the "guvment" was gonna to subsidze his treatments! :o)

Heck Nash he's just hoping that his meager supply of gas doesn't disappear before he completes his first lap around that Cheerio. It's all in the pit crew don't you know.

lol IR . . . now THAT is a visual I'll never forget! ;o)

jomama72

Eric, great post, I agree with everything you said in particular what you said about the press. I would like to congratulate them again for single handily crushing the tourist industry in the gulf, great job guys. Keep on keeping on POTUS we got your back in this one. November , November, remember November the end of the GOBP as an effective party. Has anyone seen a poll showing the approval rating of the press and the bogus coverage?

Spot on! It would appear that along with me there are "many" others that are aware of what MSM is attempting to do. But in their rush to bring the POTUS down...they over played their hand to the point that it's killed the tourist industry in those RED States by sensationalizing the leak in the Gulf.

Oh oh we mustn't for get the "whose to blame headlines" "BP or Obama", Why hasn't the President Reacted faster to the spill", The James Carville titch screaming rant, the Chris Matthews why can't we get super tankers in there along with the daily, nightly special guest that told them the same thing each night-- The federal Government doesn't have any authority or technology to fix this leak.

Whew! I'm just spinning in a circle getting dizzy from all of the negative hyped media. Yet through it all...has a single outlet reported that the people of those states do not want to stop off-shore drilling and the Senators and Congressmen don't either...they just money and are apoligizing to BP for President Obama making them ante up...they don't want them shut down for six moths to do a safety check and allow us an opportunity to add technology that will save lives and whats left of our ecosystem...

How does this explain Bush's re-election? Perhaps a better explanation is mass narcolepsy!

JoAnna.

We have the accomplishments, postive results, and c lear vision for the future.

We are not demoralized. You must have "You Lie" Joe Wilson, on your mind?

sandy-1851937

JoAnna.

We have the accomplishments, postive results, and c lear vision for the future.

Well maybe someday you'll share what they are with us, because at this point in time, Obama pretty much sucks. Btw, did you hear Rasmussen has the Obama approval sinking to 41%? Most others don't seem to share your enthusiasm.

Wow! Rassmussen thinks Obama is doing a bad job? I am stunned that such an unbiased source as the Republican polling group isn't just wild about Obama.

JoAnna,

Lilly Lebetter Fair Pay Act 2009 - women not having pay discrimination

accomplishment, postive results and clear vision for the future

The list very is long. Turn off Glenn Beck and read a newspaper!

C.A. I've been waiting for you on this one because I like your perspective in this area. I think that one of the reasons that the more liberal side is kind of holding back is because of the unreasonable expectations of what they were getting. If I go back to some of the analysis that you did last week and have done several other times here I think that as things progress over the next little bit once they and many of the electorate set down and look at the more pragmatic points that you are making and realize that what they got may not be exactly what they wanted but what their getting is pretty good and maybe they can live with it after all

CA, Your Gulf spill President has no leadership qualities. Never did. He is a true elitist from the Yale school of thought. He and the DINOS are gone.

Independent:

I think you have it right. That is in regards to the general election in 2012. As far as the mid-term elections in November I think people are going to see that these will be more local and locally driven. More so than the voicing of any national referendum. I think we have already seen this with recent primaries where no one side, left or right, has taken any great leaps past the other.

As far as the 2012 general election there will be 25% to 30% who will oppose Obama because they would nnever vote for him anyway regardless of his success or failure in office. There will be 40% to 45% who will stick with Obama from the left. and left center. This includes those dems and some independents who although frustrated with Obama on some issues, they will still support him versus voting for a republican who comes from a re-active group of NO. And as for those smack in the middle, say 25%, enough will come out for Obama to put him over the top because these people, although some will be hesitant, will realize that Obama is the best alternative given the lack of a pro-active inciteful candidate from the right who will have to take positions and to campaign in a manner that garner's the support of the far right in order to win the republican primary. These 25% in the middle (or undecideds until just before the election) may not want to give Obama their support easily or even willingly and without some concerns, but there is no way they will support or vote for a canddidate that has to take those same positions that are being taken by those on the far right in order to get into the general election as the republiccan candidate. As a result Obama will win the election in 2012 with somehwere in the range of 52 - 55% of the vote.

Alright! Who resurrected the Juvenile Delinquent?

Guess it was only a matter of time before he figured out how to 'log on'! lol

Awwwwwwwww..................SH*T. I was having such a nice Friday. Then the subversive one shows up! Oh well, it's nice to see he still checks his brain at the door before entering.

C.A. Thank you The local issue is what I think drives the off year elections and that is why the party in power generally loses some seats. Because a lot of local folks don't take the candidates stand on local issues into account enough but rather give them an opportunity to run against something or someone on the National level. Most times but not always they are then suprised when the the person they elected suddenly doesn't seem to be the one they voted for or doesn't support the things they said they would to get elected. That's one reason that I think the Right side of the equation is making such a bad mistake by running fringe candidates and passing up on the opportunity that the off year gives them

By the by Red and Drive-By think maybe we should enter old Juven in the running for Rookie of the year honors on the Cheerio Go-Kart Racing Circut or just red flag him from the start as not having enough gas to make it over the starting line.

Always generally agree with your posts CA, but would rather use the term "excite" than "incite". I have always been excited by this Presidency, by the hope that there is still someone pulling for us, the American people. If the independents are really so swayed and so stupid as to believe that the Republicans would do anything but put us back into the black hole of "doing nothing" then I guess that's where we would belong. But I don't think that's going to happen. I do hope people have more brains than those who voted for Alvin Greene in SC. And I surely do believe something fishy is going on there. Why would he even consider running on his own? He's charged with a felony, unemployed. Where'd the money come from? He does not seem to possess the intelligence needed to even put together a plan. Well, that's one for the books......

Also, as to being fired up, I'm fired up every day. I write letter to congressmen who I think are playing us. I had not received a census form, nor has anyone contacted me, so I called the Bureau of Census today to make sure they had my info. I don't want any redistricting more favorable to Republicans. I wonder if any other Democrats also got left off the census list? There are so many things we can do to be active and try to have some input into how our government works. The Juvens and MSierras of this world I believe have just given up and given themselves over to negativity and despair. They had their 8-year shot at it and failed and now have to live with the consequences of that, but never really look honestly at what happened to us during that time. The worse part of that time was that the country became severely divided into American and UnAmerican, Patriotic and UnPatriotic, Flag Pin wearers and non-Flag Pin wearers. Only semantics and symbolism, but no real substance - except for the constant negativity and gun totin' flagwaving fear-mongering - which was meant to tear this country in two.

Juven:

I was unaware that Obama spilled the oil in the gulf. Thank you for correcting my original belief that the spill resulted from an explosion on a saftey cost cutting and unregulated BP oil rig.

As for Obama and leadership, I suppose one could mistaken a tendancy by another who uses intellectual/analytical approaches to resolve problems and to improve a nation rather than using knee-jerk emotional approaches to accomplish the same as lacking in leadership qualities. And I suppose it depends on how one defines leadership and under what type of leadership a person would want to be placed. I must say that I thought the GW Bush aircraft carrier flight suit style of leadership was cute, but as for me I prefer a little less showmanship and a little more intellectual ability in my leaders.

By the way Juven. That is the first time I have heard anyone refer to a muslim terrorists as an elitest. After all, you are one of those who believe that Obama is a muslim terrorist are you not?

IR...

Looks like we'll have to go with the 'rookie' because Juven emits plenty of gas! lol

Pretty cleaver ploy for a Muslim "terist" to shove 20 billion dollars down the throats of a bunch of gun toting republicans that hate Muslim "terists" I wonder what his evil plan really is? Keep a look out for us will you Juven.

Michael, I agree . . . to a point.

Here is where we differ:

I just simply refuse to disengage completely.

Because all of these lies and spin and deliberately staged "misunderstandings" and withering criticism are specifically DESIGNED to make us lose heart and believe that all is lost.

I just can't fall for it.

Now I get down sometimes, and I have to unplug sometimes, and I get tired of repeating the same thing over and over and getting the same lame responses.

But you know what?

I refuse to give up completely . . . because nothing but having the sheer will to keep on keeping on is going to defeat the kind of money and power and entitlement that we are up against.

And that is the one thing that President Obama has - a clear eyed focus and the determination not to be knocked off course by each and ever nontroversy that the media throws his way.

And that is why he is one of the most effective President's we have ever had - because he doggedly refuses to accept no for an answer.

And I am right behind him.

Michael I screwed up and pushed the wrong button so My reply is a little farther down the page

Michael, I am with you. With a couple of exceptions I refrain from talking 'politics' with most of the folks I know and associate with because it has become so visceral. This includes people I jave been friends with for almost 50 years. There are times when I do reach a saturation point with hearing 'teleprompter', 'socialist', 'communist', 'muslim', 'lost my freedom', 'paying for losers' or any of the other code words and phrases and I am unable to walk away. I will ask for further explanation or clarification, keep asking questions until the other person gets agitated or accuses me of some heinous crime. Oddly enough, no one ever seems to ask me to explain what I think and why. Sadly, few seem to care what someone of differing views thinks anymore. I do, however, like to send questions via e-mail to my Representative - the newly (in)famous Tom Price. The answers, when I get them, seldom address the question.

Michael, I surely understand what you are saying. It works both ways. I have people who were friends for a long time who have said some of the stupidest, ugliest, childish things about this President, everything from being the anti-Christ, to his lips just look funny because they're purplish. I've have people say these things in their justification of disliking this President. I recognize what they are saying, but just can't say, as you probably do, too. And as an adult I have sometimes continued the most shallow of relationships with these people as they are beyond any reasoning or really any intelligence. Is this the kind of people you want running our country? Don't give up and don't give in. We cannot allow prejudice and hatred and divisiveness to win out. How would people like that govern? We saw it the last 8 years, from Rove's rule book to the Dick Armeys of the country, and even to our legislators, the Joe Wilsons and the Joe Bartons and the Chuck Grassleys and Mitch McConnells, Boehners, Cantors, etc. What feeble mentalities they have. They cannot think for themselves, they seem not to have any moral compass, and they have really become evil people. There are other of my "friends" that I simply can no longer abide or even look at. I think, lord, how can you be "that" kind of person.

I'm an old gal, I've lived through a lot and seen a lot of Presidents, and President Obama is the first one in a long time that I simply will not let down. He isn't letting us down. He can't accomplish all he wanted or we wanted on his own. But I will not let the evil people of this world win.

This has been an excellent discussion/exchange. It is encouraging to me to know that there are still people in this country who are capable of cogent thought and intelligent analysis. I guess I am fortunate that most of the people I know are of like mind and most of my exposure to the crazies is through the media. I hope there are enough of us in the fall to prevent handing the country over to those who would consign it to the dustbin of history.

Thanks, Cathy -- it's heartening to read your posts. There was the day someone I'd known for years called the President "That n--- in the White House --" I found myself on my feet before I knew what I was doing, loudly insisting that he was NOT going to talk like that in MY house. Surprised the hell out of him. (Me, too, kind of -- but it felt good.) They so seem to think everyone will agree with them, that mass of unthinking complacent self-righteous folk, and they so love to declaim at the top of their voices. He did apologize, by the way, but you are also right about the shallowness of such relationships.

I agree with many of the posters -- the media's just trying to keep things roiled up through the summer. I think most of us will have the President's back.

Politics. It is all politics. That is why I refuse to join either party. People automatically assume you buy into whatever bull that party is selling. They never want to discuss an issue. They just want to know what side you are on. I voted for Bush and Obama. They both seemed like the best choice at the time. Can't I be against Abortion and for Gay Marriage? Or against the death penalty and for three strikes? Where is my party? I think if you stop idenifying people by a party, you would find we agree on a lot more than we disagree.

Michael,

I don't know where your political views are categorized, but I agree with what you say. As a socially right-leaning, economically left leaning independent (who voted for Obama), I hear plenty of illogical political hatred from people I know whom I otherwise admire and respect (though I am not going to lose touch with them - losing touch helps nothing). A problem I had for years was I would not consider voting Democratic because of the "angry democrat syndrome" which I still detect in a number of the responses to this column. We have done this to ourselves by allowing extremists on both sides - the right and the left - to drive both major parties and the politicians who are elected to represent extremes and be incapable of working together. They are a representation of us, as much as we may not want to admit it.

To an earlier comment complaining about the blue dog democrats: In the health care debate, following the gaffes on both sides of the aisle playing politics, they brought me hope that there is a middle somewhere that will consider differing viewpoints in order to get something accomplished. My hope is that Obama can lead by example in this general area by working to listen to all voices and begin accomplishing larger tasks. As an example: get any legislative conversation going on alternative energy on both sides of the aisle, but keep business concerns in mind rather than follow the liberal left "screw the corporations" mandate - work with business, and make it make good business sense. Oddly enough, if Washington were to start working together, it could help lead the general public out of our divisiveness - wouldn't that be different after all we have complained about the politicians themselves!

So please: extreme loquacious left and extreme roaring right, keep quiet for a long while. You may both have some good ideas, but the truth is probably somewhere in between. Your hatred doesn't allow much of value to to get talked about anywhere - in Washington or outside of it. Life is too short for that.

In recent years, I’ve been puzzled that so many people who are otherwise reasonable and decent become genuinely enraged and impervious to reason on political issues. These people are overwhelmingly on the political right. It seems that sarcasm, shouting, name-calling, and vicious personal slurs are the norm rather than the exception. I think that the nasty talk radio programs, abusive television pundits, and such poisonous, unspeakable figures as Ann Coulter, Michelle Malkin and Gordon Liddy are making things much worse, but it seems that the problem arises from something more fundamental. Whatever it is, it’s sad and scary; how can a democracy function like this?

And so on, and so on and scooby dooby doo.................!!

Ditto what Auntie Fascist said!

P.S. nojoe . . . are you trying to tell us that you voted Democratic in the last two elections?

Now THAT is news! :o)

Auntie - Do you think a Scooby Snack would shut her up for a little while?

No Jo I voted for President Obama and until you can come up with a better candidate will proudly do so again. I also voted for Carter both the first and second time because he was the better candidate. If you think that you are somehow going to elicit an apology because you have commitment issues I do believe that you barking up the wrong tree as they say in my neck of the woods. Some folks prefer to look at the world as it really is rather than the way somebody thinks it is in thier delusions.

no joe, no bo, nj

You people think he's cool under pressure? My opinion is that he is totally immobilized by the unexpected. That's not "cool".

Obama does have that certain "deer in the headlights" look that liberals believe is thoughtful reflection, while in truth it's nothing more then him being dazed and confused.

In other news, the Rasmussen tracking poll has Obama dropping to 41% of voters favoring or somewhat favoring Obama.

HCR? The majority want it repealed.

JoeBlow, check the latest polls, the tide has turned on HCR People are finding out what it really does I hate to break this to ya, but there are NO Death Panels (and I was gonna vote NO on you)

Stimulous? The majority think it has either not helped or actually hurt the economy.

I notice you talk (erroneously) about what THINK You're WRONG on perceptions on the Stimulus

As a Home Economist, you COULDN'T Possibly argue against its' effectiveness It WORKED even after it was watered down by the President

Let's make some Lasagna together Got any recipes ?

MSierra-I don't have any idea what polls you are talking about. Go over to realclearpolitics. The only movement on the polls on HCR and the stimulous are that they are becoming MORE negative, not less.

As to your little snark-why insult home economists? My degrees are in economics,(social sciences), but I don't go around snarking at people whose degrees are in the arts. Why would you?

Rasmussen ain't the only poll out there. Do they call cellphones or just land lines? THAT'LL taint the findings right there!

As to your little snark-why insult home economists? My degrees are in economics,(social sciences), but I don't go around snarking at people whose degrees are in the arts. Why would you?

--------------------------------------------

Because you seem to have NO GRASP of simple economics

I went to Barber College and I understand more about Econ that you

JoJo, Did Obama's stimulus actually turn around the economy ? Did it Improve things ? Did the Goopers create MASSIVE Deficits since the Reagan Admin ? HAve the Goopers EVER Balanced the Budget Since Nixon ? Are the Goopers talking Smack about deficits ? Is Supply Side Economics a FAILED Social Program ? Is De-Regulation a Total Failure ?

Any answers ?

mSierra-1.NO;2.No;3.it depends, (if you owe $300,000, on an income of $500,000, it is a different thing from owing that amount on an income of $150,000, or $50,000);3. yes-when Clinton was president, (it took a government shut-down, but it got done);4. No. The deficit is rising to astronomical heights-look to the PIIGS to see what happens when it gets too high; 5.No. Absolutely not. You have no idea what it really means, I don't have the will to explain it again, (go to the archives), and we WILL have 'stagflation' again in the short term if somebody does not rein in your lord and master; 6. No again. There are regulations on the books that are NOT being applied. If this was a trick question-epic fail. Obama knew about the malfeasance at MMS. He chose to ignore it. There were NO INSPECTIONS from the time he took office-to date. This falls on his lap.

Deal with it.

I wouldn't put it that strongly, but, sadly, there's a lot in what you say. I think the first and biggest mistake was his continued attempts at "bipartisanship" long after it was clear the R's were playing him for a sucker.

Very Well Said!! I too was exhausted after the election and pacing myself to do it again. I'm willing to bet that after Labor Day we will be doing what we can for our country. We both have a new Senator to elect and we know not to underestimate the power of ground troops. It's good to see your posts. Have a good weekend.

You too Ron! I've got two doctor's appts I'm running late for, so I'm off for the afternoon - will try to check back later - at some point we need to explore our common Hoosier heritage!

Their agenda is 'ruining this great nation'? Now, 'splain what's in it for them if they suceed. This is just as dumb a statement as any I have heard (repeatedly) from the party of no ideas. Like they have no family or loved ones that would benefit from the sucess of the nation? The ruination of it would be a good thing? for them and their families?? How so, dim-wit??

DBO dontcha know that takes to much brain power to go from point A to point B for a proud republican. Their talking points never make sense because they're not based on any intelligent process, they are based only on a gut reaction to losing and to taking their country back from the changes that it needs to make to stay afloat in this century and to keep up with the times. They want to go back to the 50s or 60s. So any discussion is just wasted time and effort on our part. Hopefully there are more thinkers and empathetic human beings in this country than there are knee-jerk reactors, and bible thumping my way or the highway types.

Right now I think it it the obama administration that is stressing my way or the highway, if you disagree with the left, you must all have guns and bombs, sorry that is not the case.