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Let’s Give Barack Credit

By Larry Johnson on February 3, 2009 at 9:10 PM in Current Affairs

Did you catch Barack telling CNN’s Anderson Cooper, “I screwed up.” Damn, is that refreshing. After eight years of George Bush never admitting to any mistakes (even though they were numerous and glaring) it does appear that President Obama may be serious about this change thing. Now I realize he was drug screaming and kicking to dump Tom Daschle but the point is he did pull the trigger and Daschle is history.

And I also tip my hat that Obama and his team seem serious about trying to promote some genuine bipartisanship. Let’s recall that George Bush only offered Democrats some bullshit posts–e.g., Transportation. Obama has put Defense and Commerce in the hands of two Republicans.

As I have written all along I will dog the Obama team when they do not act as they promised. But when they do the right thing, he has my support.

  • bayareavoter

    Okay, I’ll bite. Saying he screwed up sounds refreshing but it really reminds me of the way he used to say disarm any criticism by saying his action was “boneheaded”. Just a smart way to say “let’s move along folks”.

    And as far as the bi-partisan thing–is Judd Gregg the best way to accomplish this? There are reports he voted to get RID of the Dept of Commerce in 1995 and his past actions indicate he might want to destroy social security and medicaid….

    Imagine if Bush had his way and had Americans invest part of their social security in the market? Not a pretty picture.

    I’m not anti-bipartisan. I think they’re all crooks!

    • WhatNow

      Bayareavoter – I agree with you. He’s saying he screwed up, which for a narcissist means, why don’t you folks talk about Daschle and the other person who cheated on taxes and move on. I gave you these 2 people now you will leave Sec Treasury Gietner alone. All along, he manipulated the public and wants Gietner to manipulate the finances.

      Change will happen in DC when Congress works for the people and what is best for America.

      • oowawa

        If you are applauded for saying “I screwed up,” what’s the downside? Smile, wave to the crowd, and go on with your act. Remember that popular little “I screwed up,” routine, along with its variations, “I take full responsibility,” “that was a boneheaded move,” etc., so you can use them again whenever needed. You’ve got a huge sympathetic audience that is ready to applaud your admissions of culpability enthusiastically, so fear not.

    • I’m a Linda too

      I agree. He waits ’til he’s on melt down and throws in the only other choice after repeatedly saying “Daschle is the best choice” “I stsnd by Daschle”, “It was a boneheaded thing to do”, or ” I screwed up”. And he keeps screwing up.

      17 waivers so far in his 2 week administration.

      I don’t find this something to cheer. How long did this take? He still knew about him and his problem. And funny how the tax issue is what nailed his butt, not the Lobbying.

      He only admitted the screw up now that Daschle resigned. He didn’t admit his screw up on all the others….Geitner got approved. mmmhhm.

      • Snickers

        I’m not impressed with his apology either. Please, just another way of saying, “move along, nothing to see here.” Geithner still needs to go.

    • C.S.

      Not impressed either. Can you get more generic than “I screwed up”? How about an “I am sorry that I did not investigate this person properly and ignored the background of this person before nominating him and as a result I look inept and like I’m not taking this job seriously and I apologize to the People of this nation.” Or would that be too close to the truth about his own selection?

  • http://deleted Buzz Latte LaRue

    I’ll give Obama’s team credit, but Obama’s not going to get any slack from me. He paid to play somewhere and all I can hope is that the truth will come out. When that happens THEN it will signal that Washington DC is really serious about change.

    Until then, Obama’s just another politician blowing smoke.

    • Johnny Smithfield

      “He paid to play somewhere and all I can hope is that the truth will come out”

      Kind of vague, no? Do you have any evidence of this, or are you just doing a Dubya-style feelin’ in your gut and throwing it out there?

      • Kat5

        Teh Google is your friend. Try typing in The Chicago Way sometime. Learning can be fun!

        • Johnny Smithfield

          Chicago is a political sewer…got it. Any actual evidence Obama was involved in illegal activity? With US Attorney Pat Fitzgerald sniffing around the entire South side? Nothing? Really?

          Next issue.

          • Disgusted

            This has got to be my favorite post of all time. Let me ask you this Johnny: How did Obama crawl out of that sewer without getting any ratshit on him? Answer: He didn’t. YOU just don’t smell it yet. You will.

          • candymarl

            See Rezko, slumlord, convicted felon. That’s right.
            Obama had no idea that the man that helped jump start his career, a man he helped funnel tax dollars to, was a lying manipulative crook.

            Why Rezko was so trustworthy Obama did a real estate deal with him. Of course the money that changed hands in that deal was all squeaky clean.

            Thus proving Obama’s keen powers of observation and his excellent ability to judge character.

          • candymarl

            See Rezko, slumlord, convicted felon. Obama did a land deal with him and I’m sure all the money that changed hands was squeaky clean.

            Obama had no idea that a man he’d known for years, a man that helped fund raise for him, a man who contributed to his campaign could behave this way.

            Thus proving Obama’s superior intellect, keen powers of observation, and his ability to judge character.

          • FranSC

            “With US-Attorney Pat Fitzgerald sniffing around the entire South side? Nothing? Really?”

            Sounds like you think Fitzgerald has revealed his findings. Get real. Fitzgerald would not even help out the Illinois Legislature with Blogo’s impeachment because he did not want to give away his case.

            He released those tapes which were ‘the tip of the iceberg we were told’ and just enough evidence to satisfy any obligation he felt.

            Fitzgerald has a stellar reputation to preserve. He’s not going to humiliate himself which is what would happen if he had “nothing”.

            Sorry, “Next issue” is premature.

      • http://deleted Buzz Latte LaRue

        Then what do YOU know? Let’s start there. Until YOU cough up some truth, Bot, it is just more crap.

        Get over it!!!

      • derridog

        See Evelyn Pringle, Board Games.

  • pal3

    Big Deal…I heard him said that many of times…didn’t mean shit then and it sure doesn’t mean shit now.

  • Doc99

    America is about to give President Obama over a Trillion Dollars credit. Our great grandkids will paying off this so-called Stimulus Package. And he’s just getting warmed up.

  • http://firefox AnnieCollier

    I always love when they say “I take full responsibility.” Unfortunately, there are never any consequences to go along with that “responsibility”.

    • oowawa

      I will take full responsibility

      But not the blame!

  • Texas Playwright

    Baloney. It’s attempted manipulation again. “I screwed up” is the bait, feigning accountability. Then, “It was a self-induced injury…” makes it all about him. Not our country. Not our values. Him. He’s pandering for pity while ignoring his own ethics rules with 17 waivers for desginated appointees already. Slimy, slimy behavior.

    • fif

      Ditto. He is in so far over his head, and it’s more obvious by the day.

      • beebop

        The look on his face in the photos when Daschle was resigning was priceless. He couldn’t wait to get to the next photo op where he had the new guy (I’m sure someone was handing him a 3 x 5 card with the name neatly printed on it) — you know — the Republican — uh , um, uh GREGG that’s it — was getting ready to take Richardson’s job and say nice bi-partisan things about him. Is it time for a cigarette yet? Talk about a fish out of water …

  • Faulkner

    He’s done nothing but appoint liars and crooks to cabinet positions. We are going from a bad president to a worse president and it’s only been a few weeks.

  • S – Angeltour

    I’m surprised O did not come out with that other favorite expression of his and say “this is the silly season”

    oh, I guess he saved that one so John Kerry could say it…

    • BARB

      I expected Obama to use one of his often used favorite lines…. as he did whenever one of his associates were discovered to be crooks, racist..etc…”He’s not the person I knew”. Give him credit????? NO!

  • Marley

    He does not get credit for doing what he should have done.

    He should not appoint tax cheats; even he must realize their are limits- especially when he is pimping his “stimulus.”. Bravo? for 2 right decisions out of 3. Gee- now there is only one tax cheat in his cabinet. He simply chose not to push the issue after getting away with the first one- tax cheat- head of IRS- this really is funny.

  • masslib

    Oh my, I’m so impressed. He’s not George Bush. What a hero.

    • Peggy Sue

      Good one, masslib! He’s “not” George Bush. Which means what? Gives him a pass?

      Excuse me while I gag.

      Maybe they’ll start a line of new commemorative medals: Okay, I screwed up. But I’m not that other guy.

      Lame.

      Sorry, but before I start applauding, I need something better than that [because frankly, I think he's totally disingenuous].

      I’m cynical that way. Sorry Larry, but we’ll have to agree to disagree on this one.

    • Centrocitta

      We have a real leader in the White House. A real leader possesses leadership skills, which include knowing how and when to admit mistakes. Bush doesn’t come up to Obama’s ankles on the leadership/integrity scale or any other scale for that matter.

  • Diana L. C.

    I taught. I can’t remember how many kids told me they were sorry for doing something they shouldn’t have. The difference is that only a very small percentage said it and meant it.

    The majority were just doing Eddie Haskell routines.

    So, yes, he did do what Bush would never do: say he did something wrong. But it’s going to take much more to make me believe he really thinks he did something wrong.

  • Toxhandler

    Bush gave Transportation to a Demo? I would’t call that unimportant. The Romans understood that their empire was made possible by road-building. Boring, yes, but BS? Since a democrat was running Trans, maybe that explains the Minneapolis bridge collapse.

  • Patrice

    Give Barack credit? I will. For fooling smart people like Larry Johnson into thinking that his admissions are actually genuine.

    Sheesh, seriously?

  • TeakwoodKite

    I think it helps our side to re-inlist.

    War Poverty and the Army.

    Stay tuned is a useful thing.

    No comment on the screw-up thing. That’s what I thought about the Cardinals when they lost. ….

    Can he “close the deal” ?

  • http://liberalrapture.com/ John (from Liberal Rapture)

    He barely took responsibility. Running to the media as soon as the story broke. I don’t buy it. He got out in front of a NYTimes editorial. That is all.

  • Mountain girl

    Larry, are you that dumb? Grow up. Get real. Are you kidding me? The guy is a great manipulator and he is manipulating you.

  • Johnny Smithfield

    Larry-

    I know you have long been (and continue to be) a critic of Obama. However it is refreshing to see you give credit to a political adversary when credit is due. I have enjoyed reading your analysis, particularly on the Gaza crisis. I hope you will continue to hold the administration accountable on all fronts, but give them credit when it is warranted. Kudos!

    Unfortunately many of your readers do not share your fair-mindedness and seem stuck in a May 2008 time warp. They wouldn’t give Obama credit if he dove into a river to save a drowning puppy.

    • Disgusted

      Because he wouldn’t. You know unless there was reporters and pictures were being taken.

      • Peggy Sue

        Sadly, I agree, Disgusted.

      • candymarl

        Kinda like how, after the hard work was done, he showed up in front of the cameras and took credit for the work of other Senators and their staffs.

        Kinda like how he took credit for work done by a Senate committee he wasn’t a member of.

        Kinda like how he claimed the March on Selma was responsible for his parents meeting and his birth. Even though they’d met and he’d been born years before.

        The man’s mouth is a prayer book I tell ya!

        • Johnny Smithfield

          Like I said, May 2008 time warp.

          • beebop

            Well, the cat is wearing the same stripes. Go figure.

    • Disgusted

      Like Obama dove in when the people in his district were freezing to death?

    • Stray

      I can see obama throwing the puppy in the water to get credit for the save.

      No credit due..

    • Kathleen Wynne

      Yeah, well, you obama supporters were never fair with Hillary during the Primary with the constant spew of misognynistic attacks and many of you still find excuses to take a jab at her even now.

      So, don’t come here complaining that obama is not getting a fair shake from us, when you were deaf, dumb and blind to the egregious treatment by all of you toward both Hillary and Sarah Palin!

      • Francis

        Are you guys still playing the “Hillary was a victim” violin?

        Yo-Yo Ma would be proud!

        [ADMIN: Your joke might be humorous but for the fact that Yo-Yo Ma plays the cello.]

  • http://deleted Buzz Latte LaRue

    And in the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king, Bot.

  • Roz

    Conceding his flawed judgment is part of the great one’s shtick. Do you doubt that had the backlash not reached a certain tipping point politically he would have continued to support his nominees “absolutely?”

    This is the way Obama manipulates the public and the media. He’s very good at it.

  • obamastolemyboyfriend

    Sorry, Obama gets no credit from me. He has said he screwed up before and still he learns nothing from it. Each debacle will just get worse and worse because he doesn’t care and has no conscience. If the guy cared about the job he does, he would have wanted to earn it in the first place. He would have wanted to pay his dues, put in his time, hone his skills and be the best prepared for it. He’ll get credit from me when he has the guts to say, “I screwed up and am not qualified for this job, therefore, I am resigning. I’m in over my head and the country needs better.”

    A narcissist will repeatedly say they are sorry because it is what their target wants to hear and how they can distract away from anything that makes them look bad or incompetent. But, they say I’m sorry and never change their ways because they always believe it is someone else’s fault.

    How do I know? I was married to a narcisisst for 13 years and went through a very nasty custody battle. The main goal of the narcissist was to hurt me, by taking the children. I knew he didn’t really want the kids. Guess what? He didn’t. since I won custody he could care less what they do. He still sees them, but he is not interested in anything else that he made a federal case about in court.

    Narcissists suck! I studied the disorder for 15 years all together and there is no empathy in those people. None.

    • http://www.hillaryorbust.com Hillary or Bust

      Thank God I didn’t marry one but I dated one once and I agree with what you’ve written 100%.

    • Winston

      “That which does not kill you only makes you stronger.”

      –Nietzsche, who went insane and died shortly thereafter.

      And yes, Nietzsche was somewhat of a narcissist. He gets a 5 on the Obama scale.

    • UKforDems

      What medical evidence do you have to suggest President Obama is a narcissist?

      Obviously there is a sense of self arrogance to become President. Narcissism? No. There has been no evidence of this.

      Other than your own hate, which gets to pretty much criminal levels, your own despising of a candidate because he beat yours, twice. None. Now you are so so bitter about it you think the President stole your boyfriend. Wow.

      Someone said of your comments, “There’s something amiss with people who are so angry that they’re willing to cross that line and flaunt their threats in front of all of us”.

      I would completely agree with that.

      • elise

        I know nothing about narcissism, UK, but I do know something about debate and I understand what you are doing even if you do not. I have never once seen a comment you’ve posted which didn’t accuse someone of hate or racism. You try to deflect the conversation from logical to emotional. Seventeen lobbyists and counting, UK. Are you saddened and disappointed yet? Are you aware the object of your adoration had been in office less than a week when a US drone dropped bombs inside Pakistan without the knowledge or approval of the Pakistani government just as he said he would do several times in debates? Those bombs killed civilians and ticked off some groups there so they kidnapped an American resident in Quetta. Are you sad yet? Being from another country and all, you may not know what the FISA court is or it’s history and importance so it probably didn’t bother you when Obama voted to give immunity to telecoms a week after he promised to mount a filibuster if it was included in the legislation. Even though you say you are gay, you seem to have no problems with Obama’s appointment of Gov Kain as the new DNC chairman? What happened to his “good judgement” when he appointed Richardson and Daschle? I’m not going to call you names or insult you, but I will make an observation. You aggressively insert yourself into conversations with accusations of hate and racism which diminishes any valid point you might happen to make and undermines your arguments. That just kinda makes people who are actually live in this country, undertand the issues and vote dismiss anything else you might have to say.

        • http://ezinearticles.com/?Three-Basic-Parenting-Styles&id=744499 Northwest rain

          elise — excellent response!

          And well said!

        • wodiej

          well said and agree. They rarely dispute what we are saying even though the truth is staring them right in the face. They just change the subject to hate and racism which has absolutely nothing to do w what we’re discussing.

        • Boxer Mum 06

          Elise that is the best response to a bot I’ve read yet! Well done and great points.

          • JustMe

            and I will add UK your name calling makes you look tasteless as u are. Coming here to this forum slamming and using vile expressions to the citizens/residents of the USA preaching your views repeatedly!!! Your an embarrasment not only to yourself but to the people in the UK… When you live here full time maybe some here will take notice till then many suggest you worry about what is happening in your own back yard.

        • UKforDems

          I know nothing about narcissism, UK, but I do know something about debate and I understand what you are doing even if you do not. I have never once seen a comment you’ve posted which didn’t accuse someone of hate or racism.

          Look up my posts on the economy. Look up the posts in response to Katmoon, with regard to Kentucky.

          There are those that definitely do need to be called out for racism, the worst thing is that they know who they are and knowingly hide behind people going “racism what racism”.

          With regard to debate, I have no idea whether the poster “Obamastolemyboyfriend” previously known as Csuzeq, is soon to graduate, but I do know her hate levels, all too recently, got to a point that she put at risk the continuing existence of this site. Those comments would quite often land her in prison. This is why I question her saying Obama is a narcissist.

          • beebop

            Look up the posts in response to Katmoon, with regard to Kentucky.

            Only because you agreed with the conclusions.

            Anyone who sees racism as much as you do has an unenviable obcession with just one facet of human existance.

        • UKforDems

          Seventeen lobbyists and counting, UK. Are you saddened and disappointed yet? Are you aware the object of your adoration had been in office less than a week when a US drone dropped bombs inside Pakistan without the knowledge or approval of the Pakistani government just as he said he would do several times in debates? Those bombs killed civilians and ticked off some groups there so they kidnapped an American resident in Quetta.

          when a US drone dropped bombs inside Pakistan without the knowledge or approval of the Pakistani government just as he said he would do several times in debates?

          Err, no. It clearly shows that while being prepared to make inroads into disarming the Middle East (I guess you are pleased with his Middle East envoy pick and his SOS State), the Obama administration will not be a push over in the war in Afghanistan.

          Are you sad yet? Being from another country and all, you may not know what the FISA court is or it’s history and importance so it probably didn’t bother you when Obama voted to give immunity to telecoms a week after he promised to mount a filibuster if it was included in the legislation.

          I am not sad. I am still absolutely delighted that the Republicans got resoundingly kicked out of office. 69.5 ,illion votes is a victory for America and its standing in the World.
          Notice how World Leaders look to Obama for Leadership, while they shunned Bush.

          I did not agree with his vote on FEMA, it was however a Republican proposal. I am no “bot”. I am not paid to post (in fact the only candidate offering incentives to post on certain sites was McCain – where you could earn “McCain points” for blogging. I note that every Democratic candidate has been accused of being soft on crime / terror by Republican smears. His vote dealt cleanly with that issue. He promised to reform that as President. I would hope that he does.

          I wonder if those complaining here about the stance he took on FEMA do that because they simply oppose him, or if they actually do oppose it, did they work with groups like the ACLU to try and stop it?

          Even though you say you are gay, you seem to have no problems with Obama’s appointment of Gov Kain as the new DNC chairman?

          His job will be to win 2010 and 2012. Not policy. So I am fine. Personally I do not hold a flag up for gay marriage or nothing else. I support civil unions, that should have equal rights to marriage. I think it is important not to get hung up over a word.

          What happened to his “good judgement” when he appointed Richardson and Daschle? I

          Isn’t it good that the vetting process picked it up now, rather than when in office? Even a President can make a mistake, he is only human, not the (anti) Messiah Some here think.

          • elise

            UK, it’s FISA court, not FEMA we are discussing and I am a member of the ACLU. When a campaign begins most Americans understand there will be broken promises when the candidate walks into the Oval Office. But, when a man is still in the process of running for the office and breaks promises on an issue as important as FISA, he is not the man he claims to be. It is called pandering for votes. When a candidate is willing to say anything to be elected he is called a politician and is not offering change.

            Your charges of hate and racism always refer to comments from those of us who have a different idea about what kind of person Obama is and what he represents. It is nothing more than a crutch you use to avoid real debate and turn the conversation from serious issues. And it is counter productive for us and our country.

            “Isn’t it good that the vetting process picked it up now, rather than when in office? Even a President can make a mistake, he is only human, not the (anti) Messiah Some here think.”

            Perhaps you don’t understand the vetting process. It is supposed to be done prior to the nomination and confirmation.

            One last thing. I’m straight, but it has always been my belief the Democratic Party supported equal rights for everyone and the pro choice in this country. It’s why I was a Democrat for thirty years. It is insulting to appoint a leader of the DNC who doesn’t represent those values. It isn’t just about future elections. This man is now the face of my former party.

            • UKforDems

              Mistake; I meant FISA not FEMA.

              No, I direct my charges racism to very specific people. It remains a clutch of those people to use the group speak, “we are not racist”.

              Blaming immigrants for the recession, calling the President the “affirmative action candidate”, linking to sites that are pretty much related to stormfront. All of that is definitely racism.

              • beebop

                I have never seen a link to a site that is “pretty much relatead to stormfront” since the primaries and those were brough here by the obutts to discredit NQ. Any candidate that had to consistently draw attention to his race set himself up as the affirmative action candidate. If race hadn’t been part of his campaign program, he wouldn’t have milked it for all it was worth. But. That’s just an opinion of someone who is an actual American voter.

                • UKforDems

                  Comment by beebop | 2009-02-04 17:30:16

                  I have never seen a link to a site that is “pretty much relatead to stormfront” since the primaries and those were brough here by the obutts to discredit NQ. Any candidate that had to consistently draw attention to his race set himself up as the affirmative action candidate. If race hadn’t been part of his campaign program, he wouldn’t have milked it for all it was worth. But. That’s just an opinion of someone who is an actual American voter.

                  I have never declared my nationality, nor is there a need to.

                  VinceP1974, LonnieH, HelenK for some recent comments.

                  I wonder what kind of tensions (and please do note where the rumour came from) comments like “Obama dined while Kentucky froze” are supposed to generate?

                  No one needed to discredit NQ. NQ has had to forget many instances; surprisingly one of which resurfaced today. Mr WIll Bowers himself had a mea culpa blaming PUMA sites for him “misspeaking” about Fox. The gist of it was, the all lied to him, but he was right.

                  LOL/

              • Ferd Berfle

                No, I direct my charges racism to very specific people. It remains a clutch of those people to use the group speak, “we are not racist”.

                So you admit to committing both the ad hominem abusive and the fallacy of the unknown fact in the same breath. That takes some doing. You cannot know what a person is simply by reading a few comments and then taking a headlong inductive leap over the wall and into the precipice.

                The only one guilty on this bog of using group-speak is the one suffering from group-think, i.e., you

                Your arguments are pedestrian and demonstrate a keen lack of logic. I don’t know why you keep spamming this blog nor do I care but I can tell you that your melodramatic theater of the absurd is wearing quite thin and getting long in the tooth.

                Why don’t you try a new line of work, like street-corner preaching? You’re likely to pick up more than your $0.05 per post and the sun will do you some good, as your dank basement must be oppressive after all the days you’ve spent in it tilting at imaginary windmills on a blog that doesn’t care much for you.

      • obamastolemyboyfriend

        One dealing with a narcissist and you will always be able to see one immediately when you encounter one, and yes, I am just about to Graduate as a psychologist. I do feel qualified to label Obama as such.

        For the layman, did you witness the world tour back in July? Embarrassingly obvious narcissist behavior right there. How many people do you know that think they are so improtant (without ever having accomplished anything, no less) that they should go preach to the world and apologize for bad America?

        All leaders have a degree of narcissism or they would not be leaders anyway. There is good narcissism and bad. It is bad when it is above and beyond normal and fall into disorder. Barack Obama is a disordered individual, like it or not. America had elected a mentally ill leader. Watch how it goes.

  • http://deleted Buzz Latte LaRue

    If America learns anything from Obama, it will be how to spot a personality disorder and that someone with one never gets better. They just find the next victim or in Obama’s case, victims.

    No thanks. I will not be a part of enabling Obama to continue scamming people.

  • Mandelay

    “I screwed up…” It’s an old tactic that works as long as you don’t use it too often. If you’re ever in a business meeting and you know the room is filled with angry people about to engage in a “blame game,” make the first move and take the blame, especially when there’s a cast of “underlings” who really screwed it up and everyone in the room knows about it. The angry mob backs off, and you can look like a stand up guy/gal, and even take control of the meeting. More often than not, the person who jumps all over you with a “You certainly did screw up, you jerk…” ends up looking like an unreasonable moron. It also can make people forget how you have a long history of throwing close associates and old uncles under the bus. It just shows that Barack Obama will continue to say anything and use any tactic he needs to use in order to manipulate the situation. The Rezko/Obama land deal still hangs in the air … despite Obama’s use of the “I screwed up…” tactic (in the form of “It was a boneheaded mistake.” The leopard has not changed his spots. Follow the money, no matter what the President says.

  • Strawberrybitch

    Larry, you know I adore you, but seriously…at this point what else could he say without looking like a complete douche? And how many advisors (legal and PR) did it take him to come to the conclusion he should fess up and take the blame?

  • Zeke

    More Stockholm Syndrome anyone?

  • candymarl

    I’ll give Obama a pass on this one. Why? Because frankly I just don’t care anymore.

    I’m starting to agree with my husband. It just doesn’t matter.

    • Winston

      I know you don’t mean that. I say its your job to convince your hubby that it does matter. Go watch the John Adams series and then tell me you don’t care. Down deep you do.

    • wodiej

      I hope you don’t mean that either. Don’t let your husband convince you it doesn’t matter. My brother is like your husband. Saying he doesn’t vote because it doesn’t matter, the candidates are all the same. I always respond with “so doing nothing is better”?

    • oowawa

      Because frankly I just don’t care anymore.

      I often feel that way. And then I go to bed depressed & wake up in the morning, and waddya know, glory hallelujah, I’m still alive and here’s another day. And so I gird my loins and head to the computer . . .

      I think those of us who are still fighting now will go on fighting until the bitter end. And I’d bet that includes you, candymarl.

  • elise

    How many times in the last two years has he said, “I saddened and disappointed?”. Or, “That’s not the man I knew?” etc. I’m waiting for his team to react the way they did with Richardson. Two or three days later, they said the governor was not honest with them about his problems. Sorry, I don’t agree with you Larry.

  • elise

    Wasn’t his principle argument in the primary, his good judgement?

  • Barackthemagicbiracialman

    Larry–

    Please don’t do this kind of post again. Just make this the last time you give him credit. As the majority of the previous comments reveal, we readers don’t agree with your assessment of Barack’s willingness to admit error. It’s a ploy. So is “reaching” out to Republicans. It’s a diversion while he makes changes as much as possible without detection. He is one of the most secretive “leaders” to come along in a long time.

  • Zeke

    I think one of two things has happened recently. Either Larry has had a face to face meeting with someone high up in VOLDEMORT’s Hypno-cadre or we should start looking around for pods.
    There remains a Zebra in the donkey pasture and he’s still asking everyone he meets, “What stripes?”

  • lorac

    Not sure if it was bipartisanship or self-interest – wasn’t at least one of those republican picks a senator, more specifically, a republican senator from a state with a dem governor who will fill the spot with a democrat? That strategically changes the power imbalance in the senate, virtually making it fillibuster proof, I believe. Makes me think it’s self-interest over bipartisanship….?

  • lorac

    I remember in the primary there was a period of time in which a lot of people were questioning Obama’s judgment. Obama never accepted responsibility for bad judgment, he said (after his Rezko/house issue came out) something like “I made a boneheaded move”. Now he says “I screwed up”. I guess at least he’s saying something – but I don’t think it’s the same as acknowledging poor judgment or actually saying “I did a poor job” or “I made a mistake”…

    • obamastolemyboyfriend

      When people make mistakes, most of them regret it and make changes to correct their behavior so they don’t do it again. Obama? Not so much!

  • Patience

    I agree with those who liken this to the “boneheaded” remark. He’s just sorry to be caught once again — with his most-ethical-administration-ever pants down; sorry he won’t have Daschle on board to shake down the healthcare industry. And sorry that the media aren’t cutting him as much slack as they did before he was sworn in. Like John (from Liberal Rapture) mentioned, even the NYT wasn’t on his side when it came to the Daschle fiasco.

    He must’ve been absolutely blindsided by Daschle’s pull-out since he upheld him so vigorously the day before. Ouch!!!

    I wonder who he’ll nominate next?

  • Patience

    BTW Larry, from what I understand Hank Paulsen is a Democrat — [Bush's] Treasury Sec’y. was hardly a bullshit position.

  • Judy L. NC

    I disagree, Larry. I don’t think two Republicans and, what?, five women comprise a diverse, 16-member cabinet. There are still too many rich old white men running the country. Diana has it right….he’s a 21st century Eddie Haskell.

  • http://~ jackie

    Remember the Obama is now being hailed as the “first feminest” president. The orgy is not over yet kids.

    Ohblahblah is still playing linguistic games with the less intelligent media members and they are lapping it up. As long as we are willing to put up with the criminals we will get screwed.

    Wake up folks. Our nation has elected a very bad man as president and as cautioned in the Old testament as the leader of a nation behaves he influences the fate of his people.

    Relativism and lack of personal responsibility will harm our people. Enjoy the ride folks it waill take years to recover.

  • EWard

    With all due respect, Obama’s statements are meaningless. Daschle ran BO’s presidential campaign and was one of his chief advisors. The ethical clouds over Daschle are the reasons that he lost his Senate seat to Thune.

    Bi-Partisanship and accountability – Obama outsourced his stimulus bill to Pelosi. She wrote it. Obama is defending a bill that he had others write. Why? Because he doesn’t have a clue how to run the economy.

    The bottom line is Obama has nominated three tax cheats to major posts and the illegal donations to his campaign are skimmed over by the cultist media.

    Until there is a level playing field to scrutinize and investigate Obama, his press events are PR moves.

  • wodiej

    Obama is just sorry he got caught.

  • http://americanpumainitaly.blogspot.com/ American Girl in Italy

    Sorry, I think I have to agree with those that aren’t *buying* his apology. Had Obama come out immediately, and called for Dascle to step down, things would be different. But, he came out and said he stood behind him, *absolutely*.

    The came the obligatory, *with saddness and regret*.

    Also, if he were sincere about not having two sets of standards for his *team*, he would have kicked Richardson to the curb, Geitner to the curb, and Dascle and Rengel, et al. He tried to get Dascle appointed, but Dascle dropped out due to pressure from people other than Obama, IMHO.

    I watched his round of interviews yesterday, and laughed. He talks about not wanting/being able to have two sets of standards, one for the WH, and one for the people. But, that is exactly what he tried to do. he wouldn’t say he told Dascle to drop out, which he didn’t, but he says he has to set an example that we can’t have different standards…. So, he was handed a withdrawl, and tried to twist it into a moral decision on his part. Not buying it. Absolutely not.

    • (trying to get over it)

      exactly! did you read mo dowd this a.m. — even she sees that Obama’s arrogance kept him supporting these losers; only after being “caught” by the NYT, etc. did he feel “sorry”. Spare me !

      • beebop

        I have a spot on my tush she can kiss.

  • Katmoon

    I can appreciate the apology, but if the tax “mistakes” had not been caught, would the appointments still have been made?

    • http://americanpumainitaly.blogspot.com/ sarainitaly

      the word *d’uh* comes to mind.

      hehe

    • Elizabeth

      If I recall, Clinton also stuck with his tax challanged appointees for anywhere from a few days to over a week. Of course it helps not coming in having talked in spades about the most ethical administration in history…

      Although to Barack’s minimal credit, “I screwed up” is more forthright than “boneheaded mistakes” or a version on the standard “mistakes were made.” etc.

      Now if this only comes up every two weeks, it may even begin to look like incompetence ! hehe

  • tango

    I appreciate Obama saying “I screwed up” but I don’t think he’s sorry. Not at least that he feels any shame. Embarassment yes, shame no. I think his apologizing is a deflection – that way he doesn’t have to explain him and his vetting teams reasoning behind why they though ANY OF THE 3 APPOINTEES

  • tango

    Opps sorry. Happy enter fingers this morning. Let me finish and revise:

    I think his apologizing is a deflection – that way he doesn’t have to explain why he and his vetting team thought it was ok to put forth the nominations of 3 PEOPLE WHO DID NOT PAY THEIR TAXES. What was their reasoning for thinking that would be acceptable? By apologizing, I think he cuts off that line of questioning.

    I’m just surprised Obama didn’t say “that’s not the me I used to know” when apologizing.

    • jjsmoof

      “that’s not the me I used to know”

      bumper sticker material there. Good one tango.

      • Thinker

        “That’s Not The Me I Used To Know.”

        OMG, instant classic bumper sticker.

        I swear, if someone makes this, I’ll buy it.

        :lol:

        :lol:

  • JaimeP

    This site says that Bush did admit to mistakes:

    http://patterico.com/2009/02/03/la-times-bush-never-admitted-error-except-for-all-those-times-he-did/

    While I disagreed with many things that Bush did, we should at least try to get our facts correct.

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  • Sassy

    Let’s give Barack credit…okay.
    Is 900 Billion enough?

  • donjo

    Hey, Mr. President, if I don’t pay my taxes can I get appointed to your cabinet?

  • The Real HC

    I give him no credit, hes been doing this since the beginning of the primaries. The only difference is now he has an actual job so the newspapers are obligated to report it. Oops, I was boneheaded, you caught me being myself again.

    • Thinker

      Exactly.

      Dude has been messing up for a long time now, but the media has been covering for his sorry ass.

      It’s out in the open now, so they can’t cover for him anymore.

      Let’s talk about how he screwed up when he went to a well-known slumlord who was screwing over poor Blacks in Chicago to help him pay for that million dollar mansion that he couldn’t afford.

      The list goes on and on with this snake.

      Great post, The Real HC.

      :)

  • obamastolemyboyfriend

    Barack Obama- a legend in his own mind!

    Don’t encourage him, please, Larry!

  • mountainaires

    Not so much….

    I think it’s just political calculation and expedience. Obama’s embarrassed, and he’s calculating that by saying “I screwed up,” we’ll forget about the 17 lobbyists he’s appointed to his cabinet in direct opposition to his entire campaign.

    I predict we’ll hear that sort of admission less and less as his screw ups grow. Obama’s a narcissist; he cannot allow himself to dwell on his failures; it’s threatening to his psyche.

  • SFIndie

    Husband beats up wife, again. She packs her bags to leave, again. He says he’s sorry, he screwed up, he’ll never do it again, again. She believes him and stays, again.

    C’mon Larry, we love you but you better have whatever you’re drinking analyzed. I think someone slipped some kool-aid into it.

  • dani

    I can’t believe we are praising Obama over this….lest we not forget his agenda for the media junket yesterday was to push his 900 billion in pork.

  • mountainaires

    “I screwed up.”

    “In fact Obama is significantly responsible for the sub prime crisis. He was a major supporter of the 1995 amendment to the Community Reinvestment Act which required banks to lend to poor Americans so they could buy homes, the mortgages being guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He also opposed moves to halt Fannie’s guarantees. Official Congress records show that no senator received more donations from Fannie than Obama…”

    – a commenter reminds us that Obama’s screw ups began a very long time ago.

    Actions Have Consequences. And, those consequences will affect your future financial security. So, when the dollar is devalued under Obama’s “Nuevo Financial System” and your money is worth nothing, will you accept him saying, “I screwed up” then?

    http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/francis/archive/2009/02/02/u-s-dollar-devaluation-on-its-way.aspx

  • so saddened

    obama says he screwed up. then says he “unintentionally” sent the wrong message. typical non-apology/deflection ploy.

    larry buying it – has he drunk the koolaid? been leaned on? or is he playing us?

  • elise

    UK, as for Pakistan, we have had eight years of cowboy diplomacy. If we don’t recognize the sovereignty of other countries, we are operating outside the Constitution of the US, but since Obama has no respect for that document, his actions are not surprising.

  • Thinker

    eh….I want to give him credit, but he’s such a snake that I can’t really be impressed.

    He’s stating the obvious, telling Americans what they want to hear. This is what snakes do.

    I credit his marketing team for making him say it, because most Americans were starting to get pissed off at the hypocrisy of the tax evasions by people who wanted to become a part of his administration.

    “One seemingly honest admission conceals many other wrongdoings.”

    …We’ll see if this post goes through.

    I tried to talk about the
    Forty-Eight L a w s of P o w e r, a book that Obama follows TO THE MAX, but it was sent to spam…

    Anyone who has ever read that book will see that Axelrod/Obama has read it.

    Did anyone see a copy of it book sitting on the table when the Hillary delegates were talking about the numerous fraud taking place by Obama supporters during the primary in the We Will Not Be Silenced video???????????

    I can spot that orange and blue book from a mile away.

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  • Diana L. C.

    Oh, come on! Isn’t he the Messiah? Isn’t he THE ONE? Isn’t he the smartest man we have ever had for Pres? After 17 lobbyists appointed and I’ve lost count how many tax evaders, we get an apology, and we’re supposed to suddenly think he’s the best thing since sliced bread?

    As I said, an apology counts after we can really tell he meant it. He gets credit for saying he’s sorry. That’s all.

  • http://deleted Buzz Latte LaRue

    So does your comment say that you are open minded, Jonathan? Think not.

  • fif

    Can someone please stop Jonathan from posting curse words and insults with no substance at all?

    He’s obviously upset because Obama is appearing to be less than infallible as they “hoped.”

  • fif

    Very intelligent response Jonathan. Thanks for sharing, but the policy here is no name-calling–especially when it is this juvenile and rude.

  • Strawberrybitch

    Nah, he’s obviously broken into his parent’s liquor cabinet. Someone really needs to tell him not to mix Schnapps with Johnny Walker Red and Monster.

  • Winston

    Did he mean “Butt”?

    How em-bare-assing it must feel to call someone a retard while making glaring spelling errors.