As Budget Fight Looms, Obama Sees Defiance in his Own Party
 

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/18/us...y.html?hp&_r=0

Here's a snippet of a truly amazing article, in that it comes from that gaggle of Obama sycophants at the NYT. You'd think the tide was turning...

WASHINGTON — For four years, President Obama counted on fellow Democrats to rally to his side in a series of epic battles with Republicans over the direction of the country. But now, deep in his fifth year in office, Mr. Obama finds himself frustrated by members of his own party weary of his leadership and increasingly willing to defy him.

In recent weeks, disgruntled Democrats, particularly liberals, have bolted from the White House on issues like National Security Agency surveillance policies, a planned military strike on Syria and the potential choice of Lawrence H. Summers to lead the Federal Reserve. In private, they often sound exasperated describing Mr. Obama’s operation; in public, they are sometimes only a little more restrained.

They complain the White House has not consulted enough and failed to assert leadership. They say Mr. Obama has been too passive and ceded momentum to Republicans. Their grievances are sometimes contradictory; some grouse that he takes on causes he cannot win, while others say he does not fight hard enough for principled positions. The failure to enact tightened gun control laws and the Republican hold on immigration legislation have left liberals little to celebrate this year.

Snip

The Dems may be giving up on the One but only so they can hitch their donkey-ass to the Clinton bandwagon.

But dont fret Dems...I am sure they will still vote as a block on any item that may actually hit the floor of the House or Senate.

Reed wil protect the party but not alowing anything to come to vote that would pit dems againt dems and in the house they can all vote against the Repubs since their vote doesnt matter one way or the other.

At this point, our national politics is all about "their party" (on both sides) and has nothing to do with leadership, the governing of a nation or even something as simple as standing by your own values.

I hear you, but what I'm amazed about is the fact that Benghazi, IRS, ATT, F&F or any other of the MAJOR scandals weren't even mentioned.

Wait-no, I'd have been more amazed if they were.

Has there ever been a time when such was not the case?

The old days are over
 

I think the old days are over. Not too many years ago any bill coming up be it from the left or the right found support from both sides because of all the pork grease that could be ladled onto it.

I think a few on the right (while slinging some of their own pork) have realized that just because a loony bill has been proposed it doesn't need to past just because everybody and their uncle has stuffed it with back home pork and good deals for big business.

In the end - A bad idea is still a bad idea.

I seem to recall Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neil found a way.

TR

My thought exactly, TR. I can even remember having an honest discussion of issues with liberal friends. Not so today. Maybe it's 'cause none of my friends are libs. Or maybe it's 'cause no lib would want to be my friend. :D Either way, it did used to be a different dynamic.

Trust me there are plenty of times that libs love being your friend, especially those times that the shit hits the fan ;) !

There is no such thing as defiance in the democratic party...

The POTUS could club a baby seal during prime time while reading an "I hate animals" poem from the teleprompter and it wouldn't be enough for a core dem' to vote outside the party.

And on paydays.....

There are rare exceptions...

http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepa...ilies-n1704732

There is, after all, a prime directive.

http://www.senate.gov/galleries/pdcl...ction2014.html

The House has some potential for "shuffle up & deal" as well.

I am counting 8ish dems in red-ish to very red states and only a couple repub's in any real danger? Yeah, maybe ole harry will let the pres fall on the sword this time round?? Should be interesting, I'm glad I got a couple pay checks in the bank though.......

Good idea.

They have to grouse a bit to come across as believable to their constituents. If you'll notice, the problems they have are nearly inconsequential compared to the real issues.

Same with the Partisan Press.

The 2014 elections are going to come down to whether the Republicans select electable candidates in their primaries.

If they do, they can take the Senate back.

TR