Just watched Bill Maher's take on Obama - echoing the "why doesn't he fight hard, fists swinging" school of thought. In this mode of politics, if someone talks trash, you flame them back.
I think that's definitely what you want in a campaign, when you need to build momentum and destroy the opponent's message. Maybe - just maybe - governing requires a more sedate approach.
So far, the Cranks of August have pretty much burned through their artillery, and the President is back near 60% approval rating for his handling of health care. So, in this case, the Cranks of August didn't lead to all out war. mostly because Obama didn't descend to their level. However, he has caved on the end-of-life counseling and Van Jones. Maybe he just felt it was easier to do this and hold his fire for the real fight.
I'm more concerned that he gets health care right, in establishing the key principles of universal coverage and cost-control.
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