I’ve said a lot of the same things but that doesn’t mean that I agree with the overall point. I don’t think the president should morph into “an angry black man” but I do think he needs to start calling the Republicans on their bullshit and showing some scorn, some impatience, and some insistence. He can’t afford to look like he’s getting rolled by a bunch of yahoos. And that’s an impression he has been giving in recent weeks. Impressions do matter in politics. Sometimes, impressions matter more than reality. If you think about it, the Republicans basically rely on impressions being more important than reality. So, let’s stop worrying about Obama’s deportment. His deportment has sucked recently and needs improvement. He needs to start taking the people’s side against powerful interests in some high visibility fights. He might even win for losing once or twice. I know Obama doesn’t like to lose, but it doesn’t look like you’re fighting when all your victories are quietly assured behind closed doors.
The Republicans should provide plenty of opportunities over the next two years for the president to side with people against powerful interests. We need more fight and fewer deals. I don’t say this because I am opposed to making deals. I say it because the president needs to repair his tarnished image with his base and win back some hearts. He’ll need that good will for his reelection campaign.
