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If Obama is "pounded into retreat, (he's) headed for" a "Cartersville" resting place, meaning, of course, one term, succeeded by a right wing Republican. Top priority is avoiding it, mindful that a November Pew Research Center poll found 59% of independents saying he should work with Republicans. Another 29% prefer sticking with tough opposition.
At the same time, other polls show most independent voters and Obama's base oppose tax cuts for the wealthy. Nonetheless, according to Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee:
"We've seen so much political malpractice and negotiating incompetence from this White House. They consistently cede ground they do not need to cede, and give up on fights they (shouldn't) lose."
Why, of course, is that rhetoric aside, Obama puts wealth and power interests above popular needs, what he'll do more of in 2011 and 2012, stiffing his base even more while trying to convince them he's loyal.
Following a stunning midterm defeat, historian Sean Wilentz said:
"You have to reinvent yourself to some (extent), and become intensely political in the day-to-day trench warfare that will be Washington politics over the next two years. But you must combine that with an appeal that recaptures some of the (2008 campaign) excitement....you have to do that now" not with 2012 in mind, "but for the good of the country." For whom he didn't say.
Obama himself acknowledged the need for a "midcourse correction," meaning a right shift to do even more for America's wealthy and corporate interests, to outdo Republicans at their own game. He admitted it, saying "we've got to find consensus," meaning capitulation to wealth and power while pretending he's populist at heart.
Hard Times Are Getting Harder
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