In this presentation, there should be no reference to the Republicans, no criticism of their obstructionism, and he must not dare to use that now highly disturbing word - compromise. Republicans may be sitting in that gallery but they should be treated merely as spectators; his primary target must be the people of America, especially those many millions who are battling to survive and are desperate. The gist of the presentation should be to spell out the intended plan in as much detail as possible, show how it can bring immediate relief to the problem and, in this way, send this clear message to the GOP: "If you try to kill or obstruct what the people want and support, you will commit political suicide."
The next phase of this process would be for Mr. Obama to bring the presidential bully pulpit to the Oval Office and to use it to communicate directly to the American people. This should be done with regularity to continue to reinforce his proposals and to motivate the people to demand that the Congress act swiftly and responsibly. He needs to force the hand of the GOP obstructionists and, literally, paint them into a corner from which they can't free themselves unless they follow the wishes of the people.
The Republicans must be put on the defensive so that there is no possible way that they can stifle or block this jobs creation program without feeling the wrath and intense anger of the people. Thus far in Mr. Obama's presidency they have been on the offense, framing the agenda and controlling the issues, refusing to address and solve this nation's most critical problems. This will be the perfect time to clearly expose them for what they are, a detriment to America.
Above all, President Obama must present himself as a strong, decisive leader and shed his reputation as a weak president and a compromiser of the highest order. He needs to stop thinking about himself and his second term, and think only about America and its people; he needs to do everything in his power to solve this crisis by presenting a well-designed, meaningful program that will generate jobs and restore the economy. At this point, he has everything to gain and nothing to lose; therefore, he must risk his entire political career if that is what it takes.
When I say that this is his last chance, I mean just that. He will not get a second chance to address this issue. Job creation, using the resources of the government, is the only way that millions of unemployed and underemployed Americans can be rescued from the brink of personal disaster. It is the only way to restore our battered economy.
Not only is this the last chance for this president, it may well be the last chance for this nation.
Michael Payne
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