I started posting on HowieinSeattle in 11/04, following progressive American politics in the spirit of Howard Dean's effort to "Take Our Country Back." I decided to follow my heart and posted on seattleforbarackobama from 2/07 to 11/08.--"Howie Martin is the Abe Linkin' of progressive Seattle."--Michael Hood.
I'm with Melissa McEwan: Meh. She said: "Obama still doesn't seem to have realized that you can't simultaneously pander to your opponent and rally your troops. He missed a big rallying opportunity last night."
Restored my faith a bit, but so sick of the Senate I could PUKE!!! Maybe we should just let the House & the President run the country until the Senate can get it's crap together!!!
I agree with the President that the people are far more united and united in being fed up and hopeful (all at the same time!) than our government is. It seemed like he issued a terse grow the f--- up to Congress. I think that's what the people wanted him to say. Specifics weren't as important as tone, but I'm disappointed with the 30 bn for small ... See Morebanks, but I don't know that the small banks would want to take on too much more than that anyway, but I could be wrong.
More can be done as the Move Your Money movement grows. I hope.
Disappointed it took him this long to speak clearly and plainly to the American People. Had he given this speech before pandering on Healthcare the constituents would have forced their congressmen to pass it. But still very proud he is our smart, passionate, visionary President. Let's see what he can deliver.
too many republican idea. he blamed them for some problems, but this is basically mitt romney's agenda now. cut the military in half (at least) and end the wars. they are killing the country.
I think it's as close to a mea culpa as we will get from this president.
The words were pretty, acknowledging the peoples' frustration. However, my moderate friends still came away frustrated.
Now; Obama must match his words with actions. If he needs our help, as he said he did (campaigned on hope, but cannot do it alone), tell us how we may help. Focus your followers on specific efforts.... See More
Still, this health care bill is garbage. It's like solving homelessness by ordering the homeless to buy or rent or be fined. If we heard those same words from the President, we'd be shouting loudly at him. So, why is this approach acceptable for health care?
I thought it was junk. Dr. Dean, your name will be written on my ballot whether you run or not. You seem to be the only democrat with a clue about what average Americans are going through. Forcing people to buy unaffordable medical insurance "across state lines" is not a solution. Insurance monopolies need some real competition.
it was way better than expected. i thought it was too centrist and i am opposed to some of his proposals (nukes, clean coal) but he even made me hope for some bipartisanship. the Rs were beyond contempt as were the military leaders who looked like they were wondering why they had to listen to that boy up there. it's very sad to watch obama take the high road when his enemies (and they are his enemies) want to drag us further into the muck just to see him fail. they truly do hate america.
He has to have the backbone to do the right thing. It's all well and good to want to bring us together but it's time to make things happen in spite of the fool Republicans. As was said before - he can certainly talk the talk but now he MUST walk the walk.
I loved the tone and energy. However, I was deeply disappointed at his minimal and lackluster mention of health care reform. Why didn't he come out and direct congress to pass it? Why didn't he say, flat-out, that the people want and need health care reform, that it is unconscionable to continue on without it, and that the dems blew an entire year ... See Moreof having a supermajority? I am disgusted that the GOP happily steamrollered whatever they wanted for so long but the dems for some reason seem to think it would be political suicide to get anything done. Howard, wish you were president or HHS secretary.
I am so Proud of this man-as my President-Just also heard from my F.B. riends in Europe....they also commented how they appreciate that he is leading the U.S.
It is my firm opinion that Obama should become the Press Secretary and handle the PR aspect of governing, and Joe Biden can handle the dirty work of policy making. I think it makes sense.
He delivers a brilliant speech; inspirational and very positive. However it's his actions that have concerned me. He told us lots of things during his campaign that feels like false promises; but I will not give up on him! I will not quit...
Liked it. Especially when he told my party to stop running for the hills. When are you running for Senate, Dr. Dean? We need more people in Congress who have a set, or the country will turn Republican in 2012.
I think he has some great intentions, but unless he can rally the voters to overcome greed in Congress, he won't be able to get the big things through.
...i'm afraid it's going to take a little more than what i heard last night to restore my confidence...obama squandered incredible opportunities in the last year, and i'm still not sure he 'gets it'...
since you asked here is something I posted else where in response to the query "have you written you Congressman?:
I wrote all three of our Washington Critters with with the Ranger motto modified: Follow Barak, or offer a constructive alternative or sit down and shut up. Unfortunately they have not selected one of those three options. I am fed up... See More. The Democrats are unable, the Republicans are unwilling. The country drifts. Barak should have been a good deal more pointed in his critique of both parties. I am starting to think of Barak as Casper Milquetoast rather then the tough guy from Chicago politics that he past himself off as.
President Obama sounded a little like Howard Dean. No mincing of words while letting both parties know it is time to start working for the American people. I liked it, but will love it if congress actually steps up to the plate and performs as requested.
Just great! Now if he can only inspire the Party of No to reach across and help to govern and actually accomplish something. We shouldn't need a Super Majority in the Senate...
Trickle down health care, trickle down economics. We still worship at the altar of Ronald Reagan and we keep digging our wayinto the hole and out of the developed world. By 2030, we'll probably be Haiti.
Overall, it was excellent! Although, when he talked about "safe and clean nuclear power" and "clean coal" I groaned, because I don't believe that's possible. I wish he thought differently about those things!
The only way that Obama could truly "deliver" on his campaign promises the way everyone seems to think he should would be for us to eliminate Congress and just go ahead and crown him King. The barrier to progress isn't a failure of Obama's - it's the inability of Congress to get anything done, and their being beholden to the rich & powerful special interests in (not just) this country.
I like that he focused on job creation, refocused on healthcare & said something that annoyed Alito about their ridiculous court decision re: corporate donations.
I did NOT like that there was no mention of: Stronger regulation & policing of Wall Street, the Employee Free Choice Act, or the consumer protection agency that being floated in the summer.
Overall, a good speech but still lacking in some points.
Liked some, hate the fact that he is not an environmentalist! Fighting global climate change by destroying pristine habitat is such a disaster for all that I have fought my entire life to protect. This makes me very sad and less likely to care about voting anymore.
And what a novel concept: the Supreme Court reinstates the freedom of speech and President Obama encourages the states to provide their own method of regulation (from their congresspersons, of course). Wow!
ps: His speeches are never a problem. His idealistic philosophy is. He really needs to take a firm stance against the republican hubris.
Maybe we should just let the House & the President run the country until the Senate can get it's crap together!!!
More can be done as the Move Your Money movement grows. I hope.
I fear the GOP will assume a sweeping majority in both houses this November, and all will be lost. Patience, my @$$.
Great idea, HR 676
The words were pretty, acknowledging the peoples' frustration. However, my moderate friends still came away frustrated.
Now; Obama must match his words with actions. If he needs our help, as he said he did (campaigned on hope, but cannot do it alone), tell us how we may help. Focus your followers on specific efforts.... See More
Still, this health care bill is garbage. It's like solving homelessness by ordering the homeless to buy or rent or be fined. If we heard those same words from the President, we'd be shouting loudly at him. So, why is this approach acceptable for health care?
howard dean, i miss you.
also hugging Geithner was shamefull.
I will not quit...
I wrote all three of our Washington Critters with with the Ranger motto modified: Follow Barak, or offer a constructive alternative or sit down and shut up. Unfortunately they have not selected one of those three options. I am fed up... See More. The Democrats are unable, the Republicans are unwilling. The country drifts. Barak should have been a good deal more pointed in his critique of both parties. I am starting to think of Barak as Casper Milquetoast rather then the tough guy from Chicago politics that he past himself off as.
Although, when he talked about "safe and clean nuclear power" and "clean coal" I groaned, because I don't believe that's possible. I wish he thought differently about those things!
I did NOT like that there was no mention of: Stronger regulation & policing of Wall Street, the Employee Free Choice Act, or the consumer protection agency that being floated in the summer.
Overall, a good speech but still lacking in some points.