Has debt ceiling crisis altered your perception of Pres. Obama?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
While the U.S. may avert a debt ceiling crisis - and that's still very much an open question - the president might not be so lucky when it comes to a political crisis of his own making.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/images/08/01/art.obama.debt.jpg caption=""]
Critics on the left and the right are slamming President Obama for how he has handled the debt ceiling crisis.
An article in the Daily Beast called "Obama Gives it All Away" suggests this is the lowest moment of Mr. Obama's presidency. It claims he's "ushering in a Conservative era" by simply handing over the keys to the Republicans.
The debt deal has also complicated the president's liberal support - you know, the people he'll be relying on to vote for him next year. Many in his own base believe President Obama has given up on one issue after another and ditched his supposed priorities.
As one Democratic Senator tells Maureen Dowd of the New York Times, "We are watching Obama turn into Jimmy Carter right before our eyes." Doesn't get much tougher than that.
Singer and activist harry belafonte says that President Obama and his mission have "failed" because he lacked "a certain kind of moral courage."
And in the Wall Street Journal, Peggy Noonan writes that President Obama is "A loser. and this is America, where nobody loves a loser." She's right. She points out that even at their lowest points - Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush had supporters who still "loved them," but not so for Mr. Obama.
It's no surprise that President Obama's poll numbers are headed down; and according to a new Gallup daily tracking poll, he's hit an all-time low approval rating of 40%.
Here’s my question to you: How has the debt ceiling crisis altered your perception of President Obama?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
M.:
The mismanagement of the debt ceiling crisis has left me with absolutely zero confidence in Mr. Obama. This is not the change that I believed in or voted for. I feel that my vote was swindled from me in return for false promises and a leader with no backbone.
Dave in Phoenix, Arizona:
This man stood there and promised us big things, yet he seems to disappear when things are most important. I wish we had better leadership, but we are stuck with him for five more years. I don't believe Republicans will ever win another White House after what they have done this year.
Donna:
It hasn't altered my perception of him, Jack. He's still the same level-headed man that people voted for back in 2008. I think people are forgetting that never has a president been faced with so many challenges.
Jeff in Hawaii:
Jack, I voted for President Obama. I won't be voting for him again. He's sold out the American middle class to big business and the wealthy. He's shown why so many of us Democrats are looking for a leader with a backbone.
Rachelle:
I cannot even express my disappointment in the president and the Democrats. The nerve of them trying to get us to swallow this lousy pot of tea. What a bunch of wimps – they folded like a rusty lawn chair. They let a bunch of Tea Party freshmen dictate the whole agreement. It's a sad day for the middle class. I will miss us when we are gone.
Calvin:
My perception of President Obama hasn't changed. He cut the best deal he could. If the country defaulted he gets blamed. He was the adult in the room. That either party was willing to go over a cliff is scary.
Sean in Michigan:
Not really, he's always reminded me of Jimmy Carter.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Like the song said, I had "High Hopes". Not anymore. I would like the president not to run for a second term so we Democrats could elect someone with a backbone as strong as the rhetoric.
David, Las Vegas
Not at all. President Obama has already shown us that he is the consummate compromiser. He has compromised with the republicans again and again and again, so the latest "deal" is neither an exception nor a surprise. I appreciate his ability to focus on the bigger picture, but am dismayed at how willing he appears to be to help throw Americans under the bus in the process – at least sometimes.
That said, what does continue to astound me is how 1/5 of the one body of the house has the ability to stonewall our government into near total inaction at the complete risk of the American people. That situation falls squarely on the backs of the other members of congress who can't seem to get it together sufficiently to do their jobs!
I voted for President Obama and I think he is doing a GREAT job. However, no matter what he does, there is a faction in this country that will go against anything he does.................It scares me that people are so close minded. Even with all of his efforts (remember Osama?) he still doesn't get the approval rating he deserves. And, those same people don't even realize that the health care bill will be the best thing that has happened to this country in a very long time. They rant: "socialism!". Really? Thank you for Social Security and Medicare..............all Socialist ideologies.
Ft. Myers, Florida
Not at all. He is still the level-headed one caught in the middle of extreme Tea Party members holding the Republicans hostage and his extreme left-wing protecting their own interests that are important but must be under control. He did his very best to get a reasonable deal that offers hope for tuture serious compromise, with elimination of the loopholes and Bush tax cuts for rich people. If anyone votes down this deal, they should be re-called from office and President Obama should go against his own reluctance to use the 14th amendment to protect the American people.
This whole debt thing makes those in Washington look incompetent. We should have a "vote of no confidence" choice like other countries to get everyone in the Legislative and the Executive branches out of office and put in people that care more about working for America than for themselves.
It hasn't. I still think he is a great leader, but the real question is how can a great leader succeed when he has many less qualified_____ to work with? (you fill in the blank )
You have Joe Walsh who can make babies but can't afford to pay for them trying to tell Congress how to deal with debt. (owes child support over $100,000) Is this comedy central, but I'll bet his ex and kids aren't laughing???
We have Mitch McConnell who feels he doesn't have to talk to people....doesn't want to....well, can we say let's fire/impeach him. His job is to talk....so he doesn't want to do his job. Wow and to think he is still collecting a paycheck when he wants to cut seniors and handicapped life lines, but do nothing and collect a paycheck himself.... I'm confused... At least the seniors and handicapped are just reclaiming their own money....something many in Congress have forgotten... It is our money...not theirs.....
We (whole family) think when a person runs for public office, their education should be listed in front of everything else....that way we all know if they didn't finish kindergarden what kind of children we are going to have to deal with....
As an 81 year old retired teacher, This session of Congress
reminds me of the thousands of kindergarten recesses that I
have seen. Small little groups of many kids, running all over
the school yard out of control. And each one wondering if
the other is having more fun.
My perception of all the leaders hasn't changed. They are all about trying to milk the FED's counterfeiting until the very end of the dollar.
Not one whit. Neither the President, the Democrats, nor the Republicans have the welfare of Americans in mind. If they did, they would have been dealing with the debt issue decades ago. They would not have been bailing out failed banks or companies. They would not have been subsidizing interests of their choosing. They would not have forsaken a free market system that remains the only answer to liberty and economic well-being.
The debt crisis has not altered my perception of Ron Paul, the only person that appears to understand the problem, and provides reasonable solutions. Of course, one won't hear those solutions being discussed by the MSM.
Ron Paul in 2012...
The current vote on the debt problem is not the presidents fault he is only the reflection of the new consumer voter who is dependent on federal spending. Who are we as a people as Americans that we borrow money from our children. Today our federal government forces debt on our children to give us tax deductions (2% social security tax deduction) or gives money to people who have purchased new cars or houses. Today our federal government borrows money with no schedule or intent to repay at interest rate that will go up. Shame on us!!
It hasn't altered my perception of him one darn bit, if we the people let him go,we're in bad trouble.
The debt ceiling crisis illustrated that the president is more interested in playing politics rather than working on solutions. Rather than use the bully pulpit to unite Americans he used it to engage in petty, divisive partisanship. It proved that he does not have America's best interests at heart.
Not in the least Jack. I think he is a c minus. He probably could have done better but for the party that got hung around his neck. The current Republican/Tea Bag bunch are even worse than the Democrats. The only thing I can say about Obama is that he came across as the only adult in the room as both parties were pushed but their extremists. The real fun and games begin later this year when budget talks commence. The only thing that got accomplished with the debt deal is a slowing of the rate at which red ink is added to the balance sheet and does nothing to attack the big problem of outstanding debt. Spending constraints are needed but they will only take us so far. Revenues must be increased and that means taxes. I'm waiting for an intelligent adult with guts to step forward and none of the current political candidates fits the bill.
Democracy, as is human functionality, is about deep freedom. When singular absolute ideologies attempt to control the will and lives of others then freedom is lost, therefore democracy does not exist.
Obama, in his willingness to compromise whether we judge the outcome right or wrong, was the only one in this fiasco who looked for freedom for all people, not just those who follow a narrow suffocating ideology.
If all parties would have put all peoples freedoms first instead of their quest for power and greed, then we would never have embarrassed ourselves as we did. How spoiled and tyrannical we have become.
I am a bit disappointed that the President did not recognize the need for spending reform. I am also disappointed that the only thing he could suggest was increasing taxes and putting forth decisive comments that increased doubt to Seniors and Americans. I would give a perception grade of C before the crisis and now is a D.
No Jack. It justs shows all Americans how the Republicans refused to cooperate with Obama since hes been elected. To add all these cuts to the debt ceiling is ridiculous. Raise the debt ceiling THEN work on the cuts. Get over it. HE's BLACK and our stuffed shirt white Republicans cant handle that fact. But what goes around comes around and the mighty Republicans have to deal with their own Tea Partiers tearing apart their party. Obama has been up front with us and everyone in this country and abroad can see the road blocks that have been put in front of him....Backfired Mr. Republican!
I voted for President Obama but Im not sure I will again. I may just not vote. He is the smartest president we have had since clinton but he is also weak. Im finding myself wishing I would have voted for Hillary!
No. I always new he was a Republican in Democratic clothes.
The President needs to lead more forcably. He needed to put forth his plan and stick to it like House Republicans. Just who are these 2% of folks who are being protected at the expense of the rest of us? Celebreties, professional sports persons. doctors, attormeys, CEOs, members of Congress? If this is the group who are creating all the jobs, we've been had again!
President Obama has come through, regardless of what the pundits may say,and took the extra steps it took to get this mess settles without giving away the store. If Boehner and McConnell had a conscience, they would be ashamed to show their faces, but they are Republican politicians, so what do I expect. Look what they and their Tea Baggers crowd did to health care reform. Can we expect anything worse from them now?
Mr. Obama is just another politician who will say anything to get elected and then will do whatever he pleases. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but he had me hook, line and sinker during the 2008 presidential campaign. Next election I'll have to go back to voting against someone rather than for someone.
Obama's leadership, or lack thereof, has brought this nation to the brink of disaster – not just during the "debt crisis" but throughout his term. I'm for revising our political system to limiting ALL terms to ONE and only ONE term for any elected official – let the staffers who have experience run the show. Our congress men & women are not.
Perhaps with term limits we'll eliminate the need to satisfy special interests, lobbyist and their own maliciously selfish political careers.
He's clever. He says that he wants to tax those that make over $250,000. However, he played the debt ceiling out as a huge crisis knowing that stocks would fall and then rise dramatically enough for $250,000+ type people could short sale many of their stocks and still keep their money. Politics.
"Never let a good crisis go to waste." now who said said that,,let me see..
Not at all. He is, by far, still the most reasonable person in DC. He isn't worried about his "party", he's worried about OUR country and the world markets.
It's the selfish ones worried about their "party" and the House members who are ALL campaigning for 2012 (also) that have lost any respect that I might have previously had for them. Shame on the HELL NO CAUCUS.
Not a whit, he lost me when the Democratic forced through a pie-in-the sky Health Care Plan without debate or reading. The reason we have a debt ceiling crisis is because of two overseas wars and a health care plan that can't be funded with taxpayer dollars. And he wants to blame Congress because he won't tell anyone what he stands for? Worst . . . President . . . Ever.
It hasn't altered my perception. I knew Obama was going to cave in to the radical extremists, and that's exactly what he did. So it's more caviar and better Champagne on bigger yachts for the corporate owners of the GOP, and cheaper dog food for senior citizens.
He's a rookie and his peformance on this debt ceiling confirms he's still a rookie. He claims that this plan is not a preffered plan. What is the golden plan and by whose standard? It's not my preffered plan either and does not match his plan. The golden prefferred plan is you never never have to raise the debt ceiling. I don't understand why the politicians don't understand that. My 5th grader understands that.
It just confirms that he is slick, and irresponsible, and wants someone else to blame! He spent all his chips on bailouts that didn’t work and forcing socialistic healthcare down the throats of the private sector. He calls the government union’s middle class when they are glorified welfare class. The problem is not the debt ceiling the problem is government spending which does nothing but support failing program and agency on top of agency!
No, Jack, my perception of President Obama remains the same–He is a hardworking, thoughtful, honest and responsible person. However, He is not perfect nor is he superman. Unlike his predecessor, President Obama cares about the health and welfare of the nation. He deserves credit for getting the Congress to come up with a deal for raising the debt ceiling. This plan that Senator Reid came up with, lacks revenue generating strategies and cuts too much into critical programs for poor Americans. However, I hope the President and the Congress can raise the debt ceiling now and then later on review and revise the debt reduction plan.
Yes.Can Bill Clinton run again?I would love to see that senario play out.
Betcha Hillary is looking REAL GOOD right about now to a lot of people too!
Actually Jack, it shows me that he is the same guy I voted for. A good , decent man trying to solve some nasty problems with not much help from either party. It's just continues the old saga of more of the same. There's the left on one side, the right on the other, and Obama in the middle.One side helps the poor, the other helps the rich. And they just keep playing politics while we watch,worry and hope for the best. What else is new in this country?
Dennis Proteau
Hartsville,TN.
My opinion of Obama remains the same as before the debt crisis. The man has no clue how to turn the economy around. His answer to the economic crisis is to spend more money and somehow that will magically create jobs and make people happy. Unfortunately the only people benefiting from his spending are foreign countries most of which do not like us.
It just solidifys his style of deftly dealing behind the scenes, a master of deceit, never leaving his own fingerprints on anything that would cost him votes downstream.
He is a master manipulator but a non existant leader.
What America is desperately in need of is Leadership.................not more Washington deception.
I’ve never had a high expectation of President Obama given his lack of related background and experience but he’s still managed to disappointment me on many occasions. This debt crisis is just another example of him pointing fingers and placing blame everywhere except with himself and his polices which have only perpetuated the problem.
YES. He disappointed again. He should have gone with the 14th and just raised it but hes too scared.
I will not vote for him. I wont vote GOP either. Thirty years of voting, it came down to this.
Compromise and concessions needed to be made. That is certain! But, average, middle-class, tax-paying folks from both parties will never understand why the Republicans in congress continue to lick the shoes of the wealthy few. Has any wealthy CEO of a major US corporation threatened to cut jobs or move their operation out of the country if they are forced to pay their fair share of taxes? If so, who are these people?
If President Obama knows that someone is holding a noose over our heads and is not telling us, then my perception will be altered dramatically.
It was Congress' responsibility. Obama has no authority to raise the debt ceiling.
Dave
Seattle
it hasn't altered my perception of President Obama at all, Jack.
my wife and I voted for him in 2008 and shortly after taking office it became quickly apparent that he is a complete and total WIMP that will NOT stick up for Democrate principles or programs.
we all thought we were voting for a 21st Century FDR. instead we got a re-run of Jimmy Carter or WORSE. IF he gives ANYTHING on cuts to Medicare or Social Security to the Tea Party Republi"CANT'S" in these debt ceiling negotiations, he will be OUT on his EAR in 2012.
NO,
For the past few weeks, all I heard was political posturing over the debt ceiling crisis and who would be the "winners" or "losers".
President Obama seemed to be the only "adult" in the conversations that understood a spirit cooperation and compromise was needed because NEITHER side wins if the OTHER side loses....
Since all sides, (DEM, GOP & TEA-P elected officials) are not happy with the outcome, the final bill must be better for the welfare of the country and it looks like the needs of hundreds of millions of Americans were put above the needs of the three political parties and their 535 elected officials.
Compromise and concessions needed to be made. That is certain! But, average, middle-class, tax-paying folks from both parties will never understand why the Republicans in congress continue to lick the shoes of the wealthy few. Has any wealthy CEO of a major US corporation threatened to cut jobs or move their operation out of the country if they are forced to pay their fair share of taxes? If so, who are these people?
If President Obama knows that someone is holding a noose over our heads and is not telling us, then my perception will be altered dramatically.
Hull, MA
(forgot to leave town and state the first time, sorry)
He looks like a guy that will cave to be reelected.
The debt ceiling altered my perception of President Obama. He sent me back in a in time in a 1985 Delorean to Sep,11 2001, For the remeberance of those the days. The nation defaulting would have been a bigger tragedy. President Barack Obama then would need a 1985 Delorean to go back in time to save his presidency from inpeachment.
My perception has not been altered at all. He continues to waffle and pander to the polls. Where is the change he promised?
Matt
Rockford
Jack, my perception of Obama has changed to "He doesen't know the basics of economics of this county"!! The so called Debt Crisis agreement won't solve a thing! We get a spending cut (over 10 years) of $100 Bill per year, plus a promise of another $140 Bill cut (maybe) , and no effect on the debt, only a small effect on the deficit! We are "kicking the can again", and when we can kick the can no more – there will be a crisis that everyone will "HURT". What is wrong with our Congress??
No it hasn't altered my perception of President Obama and
Jack if you were in his shoes , do you think you could do a better
job with all the Republicans trying to make his a one term
president. Please remember what a mess he inherited when
took over this country and today some people still can't fathom a
Black man in the White House.
He's an incredibly weak President, and poor negotiator.
He went from insisting on a balanced solution that included both spending cuts and revenue enhancement, to $3 of cuts for $1 of revenue, to $5 of cuts for $1 of revenue, to no revenue at all.
He caved, and gave the Republicans 99% of what they wanted, and got NOTHING in exchange. He couldn't even get rid of the billions of dollars used to subsidize oil and gas companies, which should have been easy to do because NO ONE thinks they need the subsidy.
He may be the "only adult in the room" because he prevented a debt default and an economic catastrophe, but he did it at the price of letting the bratty little kid run the house.
He obviously needs to talk to Jo Frost of "SuperNanny" for some advice.
Jack, I am so disappointed in Obama. I feel as though he caved to pressure, when all he had to do was the VETO method, I undrestand what was at stake. He as the PRESIDENT had the power to over throw those looney tune republicans, and did not take the opportunity.
The Caver-in-Chief, you mean. We Dem's need to run a new person for president. At least I know what I get w/the Kochplicans. Thank God, I'm retired!!
No, but it has altered my view of the Tea Party and the many Republican politicians that pander to them. I used to think they were just uninformed. Now I know that they are absolutely CRAZY. If these past few weeks are the type of government that they want I hope everyone takes note and vote them back out of office in 2012.
It hasn't at all. He never was a fist slamming on the table, do it my way or nothing, kind of president. And that's why I will continue to vote for him. Believe it or not but there are still a lot of Americans out there who think being able to compromise is a positive attribute in a politician.
No. I still believe that Barack Obama is an incompetent, socialist leaning liberal Democrat, who is in way over his head as president. He and the Democrats had control of all branches before November, 2010, and they didn't put forth a plan. They are all incompetent and if not, we wouldn't be in this shameful position we are in today.
Jack,
As President of the United States, Obams is supposed to lead, and he didn't. As President of the United States, Obama, when he takes a stand, shouldn't cave, and he did. And, once again, corporations, and the wealthy, get to keep their tax loopholes, while people like me are left asking, "What about jobs creation?"
Jack: My impression of President Obama has not changed. I believed him to to honest, trustworthy, and a reasonable man. I am very glad our nation might not default on our debt. Our debt is large because of President George W. Bush. The Bush Administartion went from $4.5 trillion to $11.2 trillion on his last day in office. I believe that John Boehner lived up to his ability to be a wimp and a cry baby. The Tea Party rules the Republican Party. How sad. President Obama understands the meaning of words, and the all white Tea Party understands bigotry. They are interested in one thing defeating President Obama. How sad. This nation is bigger than the Tea Party movement, and Mr. Obama is not the problem.
None he's still a slug.
The debt ceiling altered my perception of President Obama. He sent me back in time in a 1985 Delorean to Sep,11 2001, for the remeberance of those days. The nation defaulting would have been a bigger tragedy. President Barack Obama then would need a 1985 Delorean to go back in time to save his presidency from inpeachment.
Lawyers look for comprise, leaders look for consensus. Unfortunately, our president is merely a lawyer, who has just accepted a plea-bargain for his innocent client.
The "compromise" puts a wrapper on nonsensical arguments refuted by numerous reputable economists, and the demand for a balanced budget amendment is a travesty, legitimized by this false accord.
Consider this: under a balanced budget law, the Great Recession would have been a Second Great Depression ....
It hasn't changed my perception of him, it has reenforced it; inept.
Remember the high school sports cheer " Lean to the left, lean to the right. Stand up, sit down..FIGHT,FIGHT,FIGHT."? Who expected it to make it to the halls of Congress? Does this make Obama the high school principal?
It's made me realize that until Obama is ready to kick some serious Republican bootay, we aren't going to have any progress in this country. He has let conservative Democrats (which should be an oxymoron, but, unfortunately, is not) and Republicans (who live to serve the wealthy) have their way without standing up to them as a President should. He needs to stop and look at WHO elected him and WHY and with WHAT HOPE. We're still at war. Our healthcare system is a disgrace. We need a strong progressive leader - someone with the cojones to get the job done.
I think even more of President Obama. He is forcing Congress to do its job of compromising on the raise-the-limit to the debt deal. This process is also allowing the American people to see how radical some of the Congresssional members can be; something to correct on the next election. President Obama still has enough popularity to motivate the American people to voice their opinions to their respective Congressional representatives and senators. Obama deserves an AAA rating.
I continue to respect Obama for his leadership and his attentiveness to the needs of the American people. He put the country's well being ahead of his own political aspirations–unlike most Republicans and Tea-Party newbies who are more interested in posturing for their next election!
I feel sorry for our president I think he is doing a decent job under the circumstances. He has the tea party who's main concern is defeating him in the next election. When you have a group of people like that in the house of representatives, it is hard for any president to governed. What amazes me the most, they are even willing to make their own house speaker look like an idiot to obtain this goal. I can only imagine what other countries must think of us.
He has not been engaged in the progress like he should. His administration has been a diaster. He is not a leader he is a follower. There has been too much drama, Everything is settled at the last minute, then shuffled to the side for another day, he's not in controll of anything. I guess that's what we get for electing a Community organizer.
I appreciate my President's knowledge and attention to what is best for our country more than ever. It demonstrates his willingness to compromise. We know how dirty the tea party is. We know there are those that would destroy our country, just to make him look bad. We know. That is why we sent in donations by the end of June. We know.
check out the $85miliion donations he received– $ 35 million for the Repubs. small donations, mind you, not big corporations hiding behind whatever. yes, the next election will probably be closer- however, he will win. God is in the mix. The Repubs and Tea Party have been dirty toward our President, we know. They are dirty, however, he has risen above all of the dirtiness. We have not forgotten, will not forget how our first African American President was treated. Romney, Palin, Pawlenty, Ron Paul, 'You Lie' Joe Wilson, Dump Trump, etc. We will not forget how dirty they were.
Yes. I think he caved in to the Republicans and that is a big disappointment.
The Pres was handcuffed by the right wing of the Republican party.Republicans are playing with the nation so that they can gain the WH, Senate, and House in 2012. Gov't needs to create jobs, but the Republicans and the stock market will not allow it. The stock market forces companies to shed jobs to make there balance sheet look good. Unfortunately, the average person is concerned with there 401K but doesn't realize that these funds actually kill jobs.
Chicago,IL
Jack it hasn't. I think he is still one of the finest President's of our time. History will show this. He would look better to many if they would take off their blinders and look at the Man he is. The (R's) need to quit blocking everything he is attempting to do for our country as a whole, just so they can TRY and make him a One term president, noticed I said Try, they will not succeed.
Obama/Biden 2012
ShaI have never been so disaaointed in A Democratme on him-what's my grand mother suppose starch dirt.
Shae, Shame, Shame
With the Party of Opposition holding just enough seats in the Senate to push a filibuster and the terrorists in the Halls of the House calling themselves Patriots, which they are not, when they are only there for one term to destroy a Presidency. If Obama can pull anything together will be a wonder. There has not been a Presidency under attack by those that have only their economic benefits in mind since 1860.
Obama and the spineless democrats caved in to the tea party which will inspire them to make more and more demands. the tea party held our country hostage and got their ransom. no jobs, continue the bush tax cuts, continue subsidizes for oil companies, continue breaks on homes/boats/jets/horses for the rich continue endless wars, etc. Increased burden on the middle class. the needy, military, veterans, seniors, disabled get thrown off the cliff. the rich get richer and the rest of us go to the soup lines. All Obama and the democrats do nothing to benefits "we the people".
My opinion of Obama has not changed, I did not vote for him and I do not like his policies. His actions during this "crisis" only support my dislike for him. What stood out to me was his constant call for bi-partisan agreement while degrading the GOP in every speech he made including calling for tweets to GOP congress reps. I think that any president that does that degrades himself and the office he holds.
Our Presiident had to concede much to get the job done. When he was elected he said that there would be dak times (sacrifices) along the road to recovery. This dept-ciling business is just a bump in the
road til full recovery from the large depression we were in. We mustn't
run around like chicken little yelling, "The sky is falling."
The President has had a most arduous time his second, 2 years with
so much against him and I believe he fared well. Half of Congress, this
includes the "My way or the highway Tea Party" who won't compromise
an inch no matter the consequences. The President gave what he could
to prevent disaster and just enough to pass a most difficult Congress.
Let us all get behind him as he helps us climb out of this deep well whose bottom was in 2008.
Jack: There is no debt ceiling crisis-what there is a a job growth and economic crisis--and as far as my preception of the President--I would say that the threw the American people under the bus by allowing the emergence of a radical right, who were capable of getting most of the ransom it demands--what did we really avert?-–And soon Americans will be paying the "piper."
Jack, President Obama did not submit his own budget proposal, then caved to the pressure of 22 idiots. They are known in my vocabulary as
a "CONGRESSIONAL MIJORITY", defined as "A small minority who control the mental aptitude (admittedly not much to control) of the remainder of the Republican Congress!" This could apply to both parties but the "Tea Baggers" get the privilege of being the first to hold this title.
"I have lost all faith in the Presidents ability to do what needs to be done, I will not vote for him again."
I should have voted for Hillary, I doubt she would be such a pushover. And now that this deal is going to make the economy tank even worse, it is going to make it much harder for him to get reelected. He didn't compromise, he just gave them what they wanted.
I think he's done very well considering the hand he's been dealt. You can't play chicken with a guy who thinks dying in a car crash gives him a pass to heaven, the guy's going to be disappointed that you turned away!!!! He prevented a default which the tea party wanted and that's what matters. I know most people won't see it that way but it's the truth. Leadership only exist with a people who want to be led and not when your very right to be in office is a thing for debate.
The President has given the gold mine to the Republicans and the rest of us are going to get the shaft. I would not vote for this bill.
Nothing has changed at all as to my opinion of this failure to be a good president. Shut up and eat your peas Mr. president.
Willng to comprmise on anything but slow to lead – likes to let the wind blow before taking a position..
I was astounded when Obama tossed entitlements on the table at day one.
Either the entitlements meant nothing to him or Obama was starting at his "last points" of negociations.
Tax increases were never on the table. So what the heck were we negotiating?
-The amount of the cuts
-The clearing of Obama's election year, 2012
Yeah. YEAH! Obama's number one negotiating point was keeping clear the election year 2012.
Although I'm a senior citizen, I've had it with Obama! and his build up the wars, bail outs, raise the debt, and let the seniors pay!
obama makes me wish carter was back. this guy is a joke.
He doesn't seem to be as enthusiastic about helping normal people and making the rich pay their share, does he? It seems kind of easy to push him into betraying the people who had "hope" that he could "change" things. He seems too willing to say, "Yes, forget my promises, let's do what the stupid people want to do." Speaking as a fan of vertabrate lifeforms, he is a disappointment. cy from Arlington, VA
Anybody unhappy with the President's handling of the crisis should remember elections have consequences. The Tea Party members have held the entire country hostage with their no compromise demands. Any Medicare recipients who were demonstrating with the Tea Party before the election should not be surprised if their benefits are affected. Maybe they should be cut.
No, but I think it's now time to wash the tea pot.
It didn't help to be honest. While it showed me he does have cracks in his stoic demeanor, his frustration made him join in the political finger pointing fray which wasn't constructive. I thought that was uncharacteristic of him. In the end he backed off and let the houses come up with something, which proved to be the right decision.
Not really Jack. The on air political pundits all scream about where's his leadership? And why hasn't the President made his case for a more balanced approach to the debt ceiling debate by using the bully pullpit. Seems to me he's been screaming his case for quite awhile. That we cannot solve this debt and deficit problem with cuts only. But when you have divided government and a group of people that are determined not to compromise under any circumstances you're done.
Personally though I think the debate was worth while. I learned a lot.
and for those that think we are going to hell in a hand basket I'll only say. This kind of debate is nothing new. It's just now the process can be seen on cable – blow by blow. It's messy! but it always has been.
President Obama is a nice man, but a weak leader. This debt crisis only confirms my opinion. Just as we need to trim our own family budgets to survive, the president should have demanded more cuts to the federal budget to get this country back into shape. The mickey-mouse cuts made by Congress this week only re-confirm one thing – – that electing members of Congress to fight for the people of this country is just another Fairy Tale.
I wish Obama had wasted just a little bit more time playing poker in college.
It has not Mr Cafferty....the GOP / Tea Party hates the president...they will do everything they can to make him fail....even if it means to drag the US and the world economy to pieces...
This time Wall Street and major corporations who support the GOP, instructed the Republicans to make sure the debt ceiling would be raised
They knew of the 14th ammendment of the US Constitution, that was looming on the 12th hour, the GOP, (not the Tea party this time) wanted to be on board and on the, so called, good side of the American people....
You know they should allow the Tea Party to become a third party, and have them live or die by their own ideas....
In the words of Julius Caesar...."divide and conquer".....
I don't see much of Candidate Obama in President Obama. I'm not sure that 's all bad; I just wish he would watch out more for main street America and push on Congress to work on Job creation and call them out sooner than he did on the debt ceiling fight if they fail to work on solving the unemployment probablem soon.
My perception of Obama six months after he was elected, was that he is a man of little political ability, no negotiation skills, narcissistic, beholden to the ultra left wing, and unable to handle the needs of this country. My perception appears to be right on the mark.
Malvern, PA.
Not one way up or down, 435 other people created the debt and poor decisions for decades before he was near the scene, and I refuse to believe any president ever has had the expertise on every issue they seem to claim once being crowned.
Economics is indeed an area the anointed members of congress should outsource to true professionals, it would be worth it. Two plus two always equals four.
Frankly Jack,
I thought he had more back bone than he's shown. I am disapointed in him.
Henderson Nevada
All one has to do is read The Zax by Dr. Seuss, one of the world's best and most astute observers of human nature. The present idiocy is no different.
I believe Obama is a coward. He ALWAYS caves to the RADICAL RIGHT. Obama IS NOT a Democrat or Liberal. He is a Moderate Republican masquerading as a Liberal Democrat. He will say and do anything to get re-elected. I am ASHAMED that I voted for him.
It has altered my perception of anyone out of Washington DC. It was a poor perception since the election of 2010 and its now hit bottom. If you asked the American people to rate politicians on a scale of one to ten (ten being the best) our ratings would be in the negative. Ask me again in 2016.
I am 70 year white male, I voted for Obama and would do again today and tomorrow. It all has to do with the color of his skin, the republicans can not stand the idea of a black American representing them as president. We also know that lowering our expenditures with out raising taxes will not create jobs. I am not only disappointed with the republicans, I am disappointed in the democrats. I think we should recall every member of congress and replace them with real americans.
President Barack Obama is all talk and no action. He continues to say that things are getting better but, it's all just a smoke screen. My opinion on this president is that he is the "worst" president we have ever had. He likes to threaten others, spend our money on his own "special" trips and personal agenda without any benefit to the American people. He will definately be a one term president. Otherwise, the U.S. will be totally lost forever.
Jack, I think President Obama has handled this mess as well as can be expected! Out of all the people who continually talk story about what could/should be done, half of them don't appear to understand that there are different branches of government. The other half will always think their party would have a better way to handle the situation. Overall, I don't think any agreement would have been reached if our President hadn't sounded the alarm and motivated the citizens of this country to make their voices heard.
It has made me feel even more sorry for the poor guy. His presidency and the country have been hijacked by a small minority os Republicans in the House. The Tea Baggers have held our country at a stand still because of their"my way or the high way" stnace. I take back my original statement. I feel sorry for all AMericans. Hopefully, the morons who elected tha Baggers will see them as the obstructionists they are and vote them back out in 2012.
Jack,
Not much change in perception from the last debacle he had with the Bush Tax Cuts and his capitulation on them. I wasn't too pleased about that one either. I'll still vote for him in 2012 because he is more moderate than the Right Wing-Nut group of Republicans in the race now.
He is in a damned if you do damned if you don't position, which is exactly where Mitch McConnell wants him. In this situation he won't win in 2012. And I'll never vote for a Republican again, even if they are old school moderate. Thanks for changing my vote Tea Partiers, I'll never forget your gerrymandering. I'll definitely vote against you in the future.
Yes, He lost everything. He has no credibility, no power and will now finish out a Lame Duck because of this loss! And guess what, now that there will be a Republican President in January 2013, he/she will extend the Bush Tax Cuts for the rich! He has let down the Democrats and done so much damage, it will last for a long time. Dems may never recover! I voted for him and I am sick to my stomach!
Yes Jack it has. I voted for this President but he has not lived up to his promises and has betrayed this nation's seniors and middle class. He's given in to just about every Republican extremist demand and as of now, as a result of his inaction and cowardice, he's a lame duck president. The Republicans own him and in 2012, unless the democrats can find a real Democrat with guts and a commitment to the middle class instead of the wealthy, they're toast. Obama will be a one term President as Bachmann predicted only because of his own actions and lack of them.
My perception is not altered. What I see is that a section of the US society will never agree to anything Obama opposes and that's sad. If I was Obama, I would do something that would go down in US History! I would not seek a second term. The US has not earned the right to have Obama as its "Head of State". Obama can do better and more rewarding things with his talent!
I didn't think my opinion could get worse, but I was wrong.To call obama another Jimmy Carter slanders Jimmy Carter.
I cannot even express my disappointment in the President and the Democrats. The nerve of them trying to get us to swallow this lousy pot of Tea. What a bunch of wimps – they folded like a rusty lawn chair. They let a bunch of Tea Party, freshman dictate the whole agreement. They just lost this independent voter....I don't plan on voting for anyone next go round. May as well let the Republicans run the show because they are doing it right now anyway. I'm tired of worrying about it and It's a sad day for the middle class.....I will miss us when we are gone.
This man stood there and promised us big things, yet he seems to disappear when things are most important. I wish we had better leadership, but we are stuck with him for five more years. I don't believe Republicans will ever win another White House after what they have done this year.
Jack,
I voted for President Obama. I won't be voting for him again. He's sold out the American middle class to big business and the wealthy. He's shown why so many of us Democrats are looking for a leader with a backbone.
No,Jack,I have always thought he was an empty suit with no leadership abilities,he can make a great speech,but hasn't a clue how to govern!
This crisis has revealed Obama as a weak leader, unable to contain and deal with the Tea Party craze. He has given up the fight once more, as he has in the past with Bush tax cuts, and Budget. This deal also dangerously calls into question our government system, as an intransigent group only in the congress can essentially hijack the president's policy and bend him to their will.
Hillary, OKlahoma City.
The mismanagement of the 'debt ceiling crisis' has left me with absolutely zero confidence in Mr. Obama. This is not the change that I believed in or voted for. I feel that my vote was swindled from me in return for false promises and a leader with no backbone. Perhaps he could redeem himself if he restores 'The Glass-Steagall Act' but I'm afraid he's too concerned that Wall Street will turn on him and reduce him to a one term President.
As a Liberal in the tradition of Roosevelt , Truman and Kennedy, this is the last straw for me. We need a leader, not a mediator.
When he first got into office, Obama met with the Republicans to ask for their cooperation. From that moment on they smelled blood in the water and they began their assault on his positions on every issue that came up. The debt crisis is just the latest example of Republicans attacking the President and the President caving in to their demands. He is just a puppet on strings for the Republican party. He talks a good story but never backs his talk with action.
Obama is much more of a leader than expected and more of a leader than the people whom you are quoting. they must be republicans and their tea party. the joke is when people makes quotes but have never been in that position or tried to be in that position.
The debt ceiling crisis has not altered my perception of President Obama and i don't believe for a second that President Obama is in any way like former President Carter. This debt crisis was manufactured and produced by a bunch of people that have worked nonstop and tenaciously
to cause this President to fail. Starting from the day of his inauguration, the Republican party and the extreme right wing went to work, and even publicly announce that they hoped that this president would fail, to bring down this presidency and make President Obama a one term president. I have never seen this country put so much energy into the destruction of their own personal, professional, economical and business interest just to make sure this President fails. What a country!!
Yes Jack, it has. I was always a fan of the guy, but now, I'm a proud member of Team Obama. No matter how you look at it, Mr Obama was in for an annoyed party. Brinkmanship can only work so long, and the Republicans have gone from being annoying, to just being just plain mean. They would have never done this under Mr Bush, and he raised it seven times!
It hasn't altered my perception of him Jack.
He's still the same level headed man that people voted for back in 2008.
I think people are forgetting that never has a president been faced with so many challenges.
He didn't learn that you can't compromise with terrorists and to me that's what the GOP and the Tea Party are as they have held innoncent people hostage and they'll continue to slowly inflict torture on those of us that are in the "middle class or lower class".
During his campaign he talked the talk but in office he could not walk the walk. Too inexperienced and has no guts. Maureen Dowd is correct–Obama is turning into Jimmy Carter right in front of us. No one that has been sent to DC as an elected official should be returned in the next election. NONE of them went down there and did the job the American people wanted to be done-including Obama. Hillary Clinton would have taken the bull by the horns and shown some moxy. I personally hope she can be convinced to face off against Obama for 2012.
I think I have to split this one up 50% is that I disagree with him but 50% is that I agree with the plan that the country won't default on the loans but as you know we are going to be right back here in a month or two. And with that I don't think he has won at all.
Mr. Cafferty:
No, this has not changed my perception of the president or government in general. I noticed you filed this comment question under Government or President Obama". I think it should have been put in the category of "Fraud", Organized Crime, or Corruption !
But we got troubles right here in River City, good luck with inside the beltway place !
I voted for Mr. Obama because I believed that finally here was a leader who cared about the middle class and poor. Sadly, I was wrong. Shared sacrifice? So far only the middle class and poor have taken the hit. Wall Street, the Big Banks, and corporate welfare queens like GE thrive. Mr. Obama wants both the support of those crooks and their victims - the 90% of us in the underclasses who struggle each and every day to put food on our tables. Mr. Obama's words are hollow and he's an empty suit just like the rest of our elected representatives. Come 2012 no incumbent is getting my vote, especially Mr. Obama.
Hello Jack. My perception of President Obama has not been altered. When he caved in on the Public Option for health care and sold out to the insurance companies I decided at that time He was not a strong President. I do not believe he represents the people in this country who call themselves Democrats. He should seriously consider running for President on the Republican ticket. The fact that he has made no effort to revise the existing UNFAIR trade agreements... and is promoting more UNFAIR trade agreements... on top of the STILL existing legislation that offers incentives to Big Business to create jobs overseas, speaks loud and clear that he is no friend to the working and unemployed people in this Country. As for the creation of jobs in our Country I suspose he'll have to ask the Republicans/Tea party what he should do.I did vote for him the first time. I may vote Republican in 2012. After all you might as well vote for a real Republican rather than a wanna be Republican.
Worst . . . President . . . Ever. At least there is a consensus on that.
I would still vote for obama,not that I think he's so great, but because
I couldn't vote republican. The republicans only think of their wealthy
friends. I think the republicans held him hostage, I think the tea party
republicans held boehner hostage. I think the tea party republicans
are too radical, for them to think if we default it wouldn't hurt us.How
they won't raise taxes on the wealthy, but they would throw the elderly
out in the street.I don't know how a elderly or a blue collar worker
could ever vote republican.
The republicans think Reagan was so wonderful,they raised the debt ceiling 19 times and he raised taxes,during Bush term they raised debt ceiling 7 times. If the republicans would not worry about making obama a 1 term Pres and worry more about the american people.
I hate to say this, but yes, it has altered my opinion of Pres. Obama and it's not for the better. I am a long time democrat and do not like what I see in Obama caving into the right wingers of the republican party by hurting the very people who got him in office in the first place. I will have to see how things shape up this next election before I make a decision on who to vote for. In the past, I would have, without question, voted for him, but not this time.
Jack my opinion of President Obama hasnt changed.....but my opinion of the GOP/Tp has changed forever.....I didnt think that they would be so venemous and vitriolic, about this president.....or our future....Jim DeMent,Mitch McConnell and others in the GOP have openly stated that they wanted this president to fail...and they have done their level best to see it done....I am disappointed but I know what he is up against, and until the TPers are gone,I will never vote for another GOP candidate again.....
Yes. I had high hopes that President Obama would be a strong defender of the vulnerable, poor and middle class, and values to strengthen all Americans. Now the President has capitualted to the Tea Party, Grover Norquest and interests groups protecting the wealthy and corporate America. I am concerned that America will do no better than Japan when it went through its bubble followed by stagnant if any growth. President Obama speaks well but has shown back bone to introduce big plans to change the direction of our economy and put over 15,000 unemployed and underemployed workers back to work. To count "hamburger flippers" and part time Walmart workers as being employed is a joke! I won't vote for a conservative Republican because the wealth gap will only widen expotentialy. I hope a true progressive with a strong back bone will emerge who can both put America on track to eliminate its debt while having those who can most afford it pay for the unfunded programs and wars, and rebuild America's infrastructure that businesses as well a citizens rely upon.
No. In Management he is known as a "fireman manager". That is, he doesn't do anything until the house is half burned down. He needs management training.
I am disappointed - I don't like that everything gets rolled into one package anymore - debt ceiling should have been raised stand alone - it is all smoke and mirrors - if the Bush tax cuts are allowed to expire on most earners then maybe I will have more faith - but I keep trying to tell myself that he's doing the right thing.
Since he allowed the Democratic non elected Special interest Write the Financial Reform legislation, allowing same speculating sellouts bet against working class families...His willingness to cripple the U.S as a Favor to CHina is 2 party Treason Beware Dems allowing china to buy more weapons of mass destruction with u.s. dollars and dictatiing bad trade policy for u.s. citizens
No, Jack. He's still fumbling around letting the Tea Party nuts set the agenda instead of focusing the agenda on what's really important: Increasing jobs. Federal spending is being cut when we should be doing the exact opposite. Our esteemed leaders will pop the champagne corks because they raised the debt ceiling with this last-minute cockamamie deal. But the masses of unemployed, underemployed and wrongly employed won't be opening any bottles, except maybe the headache pill bottle.
No didn't alter my perception at all. I thought all of them were blooming idiots and still think all politicians are blooming idiots. They passed a nothing bill that doesn't "really" cut spending and doesn't wink wink raise taxes. SPEND DUMMIES SPEND.
I still am with President Obama. He has endured being called a liar & many others things with much patience, never losing his temper – at least in public. I also worry that he has given too much away to the crazies in the House, but I also believe he has a trick or two up his sleeve which he cannot reveal before all of this is over. Before final judgment, let us see how things are 8 months from now – I'll bet we see the outcome as clever not weak. He had no way to control the House and their attitudes so working with them at this point makes sense, later, with less at stake, I'll bet we see the progressive agenda creeping back in.
Barack Obama is a lightweight, leterally and figuratively. He got into the ring with some professionals and fell apart like a cheap suit.
One Congressman has called him the worst President in our history and that's now been proven correct. America has to tolerate this pompus wind bag for just a year and a half more and then, mercifully, he will be back in Chicago.
Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona
Jack, I think the quote by Harry Belafonte summed up Obama's handling of the debt crisis adequately. He has been missing in action on a number of pressing issues that he promised he would act on during his presidential campaign and has procrastinated and dithered throughout his presidency. Now, he has allowed the current debate to go on far too long, practically being held hostage by the shrill demands of the Tea Party and their misguided views on how the US government should be run. That Obama has let the government be embarrassed by his obsessive emphasis on compromise shows that he is not in control. I believe he could have taken a lesson from Harry S Truman on how to arrive at a decision and be seen as a leader. As a result, he has lost respect and credibility by any number of people even in his own party.
Not really, he's always reminded me of Jimmy Carter.
Yes, obama is a sell out to all the people who voted for him. There is no hope for main street with obama. What happended to raising the 15% tax rate for hedge fund managers like chelsea clinton and her husband. More job killing clinton style trade deals with korea and columbia are on the way.
No it hasn't. I still don't like him. He needs to move on.
No more so than the rest of the clowns in Washington.
I have lost confidence in president Obama' s ability to lead more and more over time. It seems he talks a good talk but when it comes to the walk he folds. I think the republican saw a weaken in his leadership and have continuely used this against him. It seems the poor, and middle class have no champion and the rich and powerful have control of the deck .
Jack, this is very differcult for me to say, I had been a hard core supporter of this President and has struck by him on a number of issues that I may have had mix feeling about. But I must say that his decision on the debt ceiling took me over, and I know that it was the plan of the Rep to do this, but I was really hoping that The President would show he could fight for what he says he believes in. But at the end of the day, he stands for nothing, he's weak and is afraid to fight, and I can't support him anymore. I'm actually starting to beleive that he really didn't want his taxes to be increased, but thought that by pretending to fighting the the little guy,and losing, would trick his supporter into thinking that he was for us, wrong. At this point I can't wait for the rides on airforce one to come to an END. Sad Day.
Marcus
Was a Dem, now a Independent
President Obama's caving in to the GOP appears to be a gimmick to lead us to believe that the GOP is the only ones that are at fault when I believe that he is a Republican running on a Democratic ticket, and I am not buying his Chicago style acting job any longer.
I would like to trade places with the President for 1 week and have the GOP run their mouths off about what they are going to do.
By weeks end the only problem that any American would have is standing in line fighting over your food stamps because I would collapse the financial markets and the banking system and impound what ever was left to pay for the entitlements.
I got sick of listening to the liars in Washington and Wall Street years ago and I would enjoy shutting them up once and for all !!
Once my task is complete, the affluent President can have his job back !
How has the debt ceiling crisis altered my perception of President Obama? The question assumes my perception has changed – it hasn't. In the first place, my perception of the president is based on what I hear him say and what he does, not on the opinion of journalists and actor/singers. Secondly, this whole crisis was created by the Tea Party when they hung debt reduction on a routine debt ceiling vote, and by Republicans whose stated purpose is to make President Obama a one-term president. For that reason, I can't believe much of anything they have to say.
I am disappointed that the agreement doesn't include an increase in revenue, but I am mature enough to handle disappointment and can survive not getting my own way. I would assume the president feels the same way.
No but is has altered my perception of the tea party. They are a cancerous rotting sore that has infected the week, scum sucking republican party.
Jack, while I haven't been happy with many things the president has done, I remind myself that he took office amidst the toughest crisis this country has seen since the great depression. The Republican propaganda machine has successfully hung their own debt and economic crisis on to Obama's reputation. My perception of the president is that he is a politician to clean up his predecessors mess.
I would like to see him teach again-soon!
"No!!! I said he was elected because he was a "Black-Male- Democrat, and you all called me a Racist! I said he was useless, and it's marking my card! He knows nothing about leadership, but slowly conned you all into thinking (by useing other's), that this idiot can-do!
I just want him to lose in 2012, if not before. Then the courts will deal with him and all his shady-works. He is a guy without a home, and is living free at your expense!"
Can you at least give Obama credit for trying to do what is right for our country. Few politicians in either party can FACTUALLY claim to be doing that!
When Osama bin Laden orchestrated the despicable atrocities of 9/11, his ultimate goal was to bring your great Country to its knees and on the brink of financial bankruptcy. By bickering aimlessly amongst themselves, all your elected officials have fallen directly into that gutless weasel’s long-term trap. Whether it be the Tea Party, the Senate, the House or the White House, it’s plainly obvious that everyone has dropped the ball here. It’s high time Obama showed some spine by invoking the 14th Amendment (if possible) to end this circus. Waging war against an invisible enemy is by no means easy lifting Jack; just ask your men and women in uniform.
Gil LeBlanc New Brunswick, Canada
I beleive President Obama should have had more resolve when it came to the issue of erasing the tax loopholes that only a few people enjoy. The president has tried to be the middle man and in the process has lost all credibility with not only his party, but the American Public at large. The Tea Party may be crazy and fanatics, but at least they stick to their convictions. I wish Obama wasn't running for a second term. While I think the republican nominees for president are terrible and fanactics, I feel that Obama isn't much better. Obama needs to stand up and tell the American people what he beleives in and stick to his convictions. If republicans don't agree then the American people will make their presence know at the polls.
No,Jack,he is exactly what I thought he was,an empty suit with no leadership abilities!!!!!!!!!
President Obama has shown more common sense and fairness in trying to resolve the debt crisis than most in Washington. I have been watching the CNN Congressman interviews as well as C-SPAN and there is no question that the Republicans will lose their next elections in 2012 because people know that not everyone that makes over 250k a year is a job creator as Cantor and other Republicans keep saying. They need to wake up and try to save their jobs in 2012 by not telling the poor and middle class that they favor wealthy non job creators from paying more in taxes. The Republicans have insured that the Democatic's will win in 2012 and based on their beliefs they should.
Jack, the debt crisis is just another disappointment in Obama's long string of caving into a disgusting GOP agenda. I even campaigned hard for this man after Kucinich dropped out of the race. I went for his campaign dialogue. He talked the talk, he just hasn't walked the walk. My sincere appologies to Hillary supporters, I should have supported her. His absence of use of the Bully Pulpit to get anything done that he talked about on the campaign trail,(like eliminating the Bush Tax Cuts for the wealthiest 2%, a public option for healthcare,ending Scooter Libby Justice,closing Gitmo, etc and so on, well President Obama just isn't the fighter he lead us to believe he was. Is there any way we can get Dennis Kucinch to run against him ? President Obama seems to be happy with just getting Bin Laden, being the first Black President and caving into the GOP, even when he had both the house and the senate. I was shocked then, but now I know that he is MR.CAVE IN, I just remain nausious.
President Obama is craftier than I thought. He gave the Tea-Partiers enough rope to hang themselves. They just don't seem to get it. They pledged allegiance to Grover Norquist instead of the USA. People are so mad at them now–2012 might look more like 2006 than 2010. And, if the deal goes through today and any more debt-ceiling actions are effectively postponed until after 2012, Pres. Obama can just veto any attempt to extend the Bush tax cuts, which expire in 2012,
My perception of Pres. Obama has not been altered, but my perception of the Republicans and the Tea Party has certainly been solidified.
Jack,
Very interesting perspective. When as President you have both political parties calling you out, it generally signifies you're politics are somewhere in the middle where they ought to be. Both far left Democrats and far right Republicans in my opinion are shear idiots. They have no concept or clue on domestic economics, let alone internationally.
Please on your show ask those that would hi-jack the economy how they consider rasing the Debt Ceiling as additional spending? It's actually paying bills already incurred. Please ask your readers / listeners to educate themselves.
Mark
No. He cannot lead those who won't be lead. The tea party, in my point of view, are being unreasonable. Its their way or the highway. We get the government that we elect. This is what we elected now we need to deal with them.
Deffinately. As one who voted for change, I guess I never realized what that change would be. Some say he lost this batle because he didn't get his tax increase. He never wanted a tax increase. He only wanted the rich to loose their tax breaks. As a Social Security recipient, I can tell you right now, I'm not going to get a break – ever, so why should they? If they are job creaters, where are the jobs that years of tax breaks should have created? Social Security will lose too. It is a victim if a Madoff style ponzi scheme. We invested with a promise of benefits at a later date. Just like Madoff, the government stole our money to pay for other programs, and we are left with a deflated "entitlement" program that was originally an insurance policy.
Loser! Vote for him again NO! Jack, if I managed my checkbook like this guy, I'd have lost my house, automobile, and everything else. I don't have the ability to raise my debt ceiling, nor print myself some money. It just makes my brain bleed trying to understand how our government can/could! Mr. President has never managed a business, a city, not anything else of financial signifigance that I can see that would give him a glimmer of the real world. He hasn't had an idea on his own, it's always been thru some committee or behind closed door group. So in 2012 I will "NOT" vote for him again. I'll happily evict him, let him taste what so many are.
Not so much as it has changed my mind about the architect of the tea baggers, the billionaire Koch brothers. Their driving goal is to increase their own power and take down Obama. Though the naive baggers have never been accused of being the most intelligent, they're willing to take the brothers' money and regurgitate their philosophy blindly, no matter who it hurts. How sad they are. Eve of Texas
I think it's time for president Obama to read JFK's book "Profiles in Courage" and he should have invoke the fourteenth amendment to put an end to the tomfoolery of this congress. When the nation is at risk, it's the presidents obligation to override congress for the good of the whole. Without a doubt, the GOP will begin impeachment hearings but the country will respect Barack Obama's bravado in behalf of the country. Osama bin Laden did less damage to this country than this new congress and George W. Bush. Only Obama can save us from this new threat!
Simply put, he's not a fighter for the folks who elected him. Every big issue that comes up with the republicans,Obama gives them what they want. The right know they can run over Obama.
Let me answer by asking you a question.
Would you buy a used car from this guy? I wouldn't; because he's not someone I can like nor can I trust him.
Now I'd buy that car from Bill Clinton because I like him; even at his worst, I "liked" him. Did respect him, but liked him.
And, I'd buy one from George Bush because while he bungled a lot, and I remember saying "oh no. When he talked. But, you had to believe him when he spoke. He didn't lie, because if he did his Momma would have beat him.
Now here is poor Obama. No may people, left or right now like, and do you really think you can count on this guy?
He has shown his colors. He's a looser.
Obama is the worst president in the history of the united states, He is pushing business to move overseas. Now he is going to cause our Insurance rates to go thru the roof. Worse than the tipical dem. tax and spend agenday
He did just fine. He has effectively removed the Republican veto over tax policy, which means that he can preserve tax cuts benefiting the poor while increasing taxes on the wealthy with no chance of fillibuster. Now that there is a time agreement in the Senate, nothing can stop Obama from getting exactly what he wants.
No, it has not. I think he is a great president with a lot of mistakes by the previous administration left for him to deal with.
NO!...The debt celling crisis is a scam. There is probably only to countries in the world that have one. It has been a waste of time and money. we have been laughed at around the world by are ignorance and arrogance. I wouldn't believe one word anyone said that was negative against Pres.Obama. I'm sick and tired of the Republican Party and their republic take over of our once democratic nation. They want only to tax the working class and reap the sweat off their backs. Every great nation has fallen with the rich and the want-a-be rich smothering the masses with their greed. I'm disgusted the Republicans call themselves the Godly leaders they have no concept of a Godly nation or Godly laws...And if anyone is truly smart enough to understand Gods laws, to be identified with Jimmy Carter would be a compliment. I would rather be identified with a godly man and man of peace than any rich fool. I didn't even vote for Pres Obama but I will next time.
How frustrating...why on earth would these self-aggrandizers keep voting for something they all say they don't like and hate? Someone must or they shouldn't be there.
Changed my POV? No when running for president he was so far in over his head it is scary. This is what you get when you put a person in a position of leadership based on potential and not based on resutls
The kindest thing I can say about our President is that he is a great lawyer and horrible politician.I was an Obama fan. Not any more. He is selling out the ever shrinking middle class, the poor the elderly, and the ill. Shame!
I think he is doing his best with all he has to deal with. How do you work with individuals that have it in their minds that they are going to fight you every step of the way and their main objective is to make you look bad. The lack of respect shown to Obama from the tea baggers/republicans is uncalled for and those individuals should be thrown out on their behinds. He was elected by the people of this country and disrespecting him is disrespecting the voters that put him in office.
I'm not sure he could have handled things differently other than raising the ceiling before the GOP/Tea Party took control of the House in January. But since 60 Tea Party suicide bombers were willing to take the country over the economic cliff, and still may since the vote on the "deal" hasn't yet taken place, I give President Obama kudos for giving in to their blackmail just to attempt to save the country.
My personal perception of President Obama hasn't changed but my perception of how government works has changed. I am very disturbed and disappointed in all our leaders to the point I've lost hope this country will remain a democracy as we know it.
My opinion of the President is unchanged. At the end of the day it is the Congress that has the duty and responsibility to tax and to spend. The President did what he could with a Congress that has a percentage of elected members who have held to their position on no additional taxes.
The can has been kicked down the road. The work now begins on generating a bipartisan plan that can garner the necessary majority in both houses to pass into law.
I'll be waiting to see if the President and the party leaders in both houses of Congress can now put in place a plan that will not further damage the economy. I'm no multimillionaire, but I am unemployed so I certainly do have a stake in the outcome.
This Jimmy Carter clone is just as inept as the first. If you like Obama you must live in another world & dream for open borders , a nanny state & a living standard lower than even the Europeans. He does get, he doesn't understand it & He's not up to it. He's just a narcissistic pretender that's showing me everyday this country is going down the wrong path. For all of you who like Obama , move. You don't belong in the land of the free. Individualism lives !!!
I still have admiration for how President Obama has handled this Washington drama which was clearly directed by the Republicans and the Tea Party. Their sole aim is to make him a one-term President and were even willing to let the country go bankrupt. Now that's patriotism we can believe in rignt? Not!
I hope that the American people will not reward them for their political schemes and re-elect Obama in 2012.
I wonder how the critics would handle any of these tough and challeging situations no other President has had to deal with!
And liberals need to get over their fantasy that he's a left-wing superman.
Why does everything have to be a football game? Geez! The President did the best he could to allow movement within the bowels of an incredibly constipated congress, and then he gets criticized for his efforts? What the heck is wrong with everybody? If Congress won't compromise, Obama had no choice but allow himself to be the oil crushed within the cogs of a crusted-ove,r rusty old machine. It's a dirty job, but it takes a grown up to do it.
Those of us who voted for him thought we were electing a strong Democrat; instead Obama seems intent on proving that Democrats really are cowards. Problem is, the tea party has proven that Republicans are as cowardly as the Dems. They're afraid to stand up to a small group of extremists within their own party. So the real question you should be asking is where does that leave us in the 2012 election? I'm afraid to vote for either party, there's no viable third alternative and not voting just leaves it up to all the extremists who most certainly will turn out and vote. Maybe we should go back to the idea of Hillary Clinton making a primary challange against Obama.
With all the people who are allowed to post here it seems he must be doing a good job.Majority rules.
Jack, Most definitely. America needs and wants a strong presence in it's leader. President Obama has not shown me he is a strong presence. He is too busy trying to placate and give praise to those that have opposed every attempt he and his administration attempted. He needs to grow a set and show America he can lead not compromise to unreasonable demands. If this is what he does with our own government, how can he be trusted to deal with a hostile foreign government. His credibility as a leader is questioned worldwide because of it.
Not just the debt ceiling crisis but that combined with his cave-in back in December and his weakness on the Public Option in the Health Care fight have all demostrated to me that he is spineless or as the former Gov. of Pa. termed it, a "Wussie".
Please Jack, he's doing what a President SHOULD do and that is try to get the two opposing sides to come together and compromise. I'm not happy about the compromises he has had to make but the Republicans in this country will drag we the people under by always insisting on their way or nothing. President Obama is still the adult in the room and the spoiled children are the GOP, the problem is the children gamble with peoples lives and the adult just wants a little peace for them. I for one do NOT hold the President at fault for the insanity this country is dealing with.
Jack,
No President Obama is still the same person we elected. He is honest, bright and all too willing to compromise. Remember, while President of the Harvard Law Review he appointed several very conservatives to the Law Review. He still has faith that others do NOT lie and so we have a situation where the minority with the BIG lies hold great power over the lives of real average citizens of the would how do not have the billions backing them.
It is just another situation where Obama, wanting to show results, has let the right steal the show. I'm all for responsibility in government. But does that mean selling your soul? I am nothing short of disgusted.
Yes it has, and not in a good way. Unimpressed, to say the least.
All tghe right wing and left wing pundits are all forgetting about the middle, the independents, who wanted both sides to compromise. Obama got them together and saved the economy, again.
Theyre all Illuminati, and just like all Presidents he's a puppet
he was just the best one...well sorry no Bill Clinton...
its all a game..
and were the pawns..
President Obama's handling of the crisis has proved to me one thing.
He is the only adult in the room. The whole notion of wanting a winner is immature and short sighted. Grown ups and real men know when to put country first and put ego aside. He did what was necessary to get things done. No wonder liberals lost the house in 2010- they aren't willing to go toe to toe with the GOP and vote for their own interests. If they get this disillusioned for a President for being a mature grown up then we'll be welcoming President Bachmann come 2012.
Obama should not be receiving such criticism. Raising the debt ceiling has been the responsibility of Congress and the only role the President plays in these talks is just approving the debt ceiling legislation, in which nobody in Congress is bothering to get passed.
The man is not a king. I'm a liberal, but I don't just vote every 4 years. Somebody allowed the Tea Party to gain enough seats to obstruct. If we don't like the deal, vote for people who will intelligently address the economy.
Disappointment. I was so full of excitement and hope with Obama was elected. I was a big supporter of his, and I still am. But I am very disappointed in what he has and has not done. So many of his values have been left at the way side. I am very disappointed in his administration.
I have suggested to Mr. Obama that he emulate the greatest domestic president since FDR – President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Mr. Obama should announce that he does not seek, and will not accept the nomination of the Democratic Party for another term as President of the United States.
The fat lady has not sung .... yet!
I was an avid Obama supporter. While I still cannot see myself voting for any of the clowns the Republican party has offered for President, I am tired of President Obama not getting anything done for the people who support him the most. Hopefully some other Democrat will step up and run against him. If not, I will be staying home on election day.
I should have voted for Hillary. She would have guts to trample this Hydra, called tea Party
I'm still with Obama! He's had to put up with a lot of issues with our nation's economic and political health, and I think, all things considered, he has done a good job. He models the behavior he wants from Congress by working with Democrats and Republicans. The fact that no one is completely happy with this current debt relief bill shows that it's a balanced piece of legislature. Honestly, I have a lot of respect for Obama. He's a bright man in a difficult place, and I think he's doing as good of a job as he can, including with his handling of this debt crisis.
I did not vote for a dictator. I voted for a President who was willing to listen and able to think before making sound decisions. I am pleased with President Obama's performance and while I know that the man is not perfect, as none of us are, I believe that he is what this country needs at this time.
The president had a golden opportunity to show leadership by invoking the 14th Amendment. He has caved in to the Tea Party. Get ready America, Palin or Bachman will be your next president.
No, it hasn't. I haven't liked his policies since I first saw him campaign for president. He'd rather take the country down than make some small compromises.
It hasn't changed. I didn't like him before and I don't like him now.
Actually, it has improved my opinion of him. Compromise means you don't get everything. However, he worked hard behind the scenes to get a deal so we didn't default. Everyone's unhappy and sees the trigger as a trap. Sounds like the signs of a good compromise.
Sandy, Arizona
Obama is a gutless wonder. Won't vote for him again
Obama has wimped out once again. He must be a lousy poker player. He folds at every bluff.
As soon as I heard McConnell say he wasn't going to negotiate with Reid, but negotiate directly with the president I knew the Democrats had lost.
The president is a nice guy, too nice. I would respectfully ask him to announce he is not going to run for president in 2012 and let Joe Biden or Hillary Clinton get the nomination. Obama just doesn't have the stomach for confrontation.
Noel Sivertson
Roswell NM
This President has actually used the age-old American governmental concept of "compromise". He's bucked his own party, and he's created something that will, in the end, help the country, NOT help himself politically. Shouldn't all leaders (Republican and Democrat) be doing this?
What was the man supposed to do, just hold firm on his ground and let this all come crashing down in flames at deadline time? This country is in trouble! This so called "deal" changes nothing including my perception of President Obama. He cant win, the deck is stacked against him and we all know why!
Yes. I am still a fan on the president but even as a moderate to conservative Democrat I feel he has given up too many things such as the Bush Tax Cuts and the Budget. He is being to weak and won't stand up to the radical right or the tea party and is letting them ruin America and Tread on him and the left.
Yes. I expected more after 8 years of Bush running the country into the ground, and what we have gotten is basically the same, or worse. This coming election I will be voting for an Independent because neither of the two major parties has a clue what the American people want.
Just another example. All of his economic policies have been failures, but then he has never even ran a cool-aid stand.
I would comment, 'what a poor leader', however Obama does not fall into the category of a leader. What were the American people thinking?
Unfortunately, Obama, by caving to the hostage taking tea party has let them win on policy and perception. Obama's actions reinforce the image that is hardening that he is weak. The right wing wackos are no solution but a weakened President doesn't help the country.
Funny how no one knows what is exactly in the final deal, but everybody is an expert on who to blame for what already. Somewhow I don't think either side got what they wanted out of this. And THAT is likely a good thing.
It hasn't altered it at all-it has just confirmed that he is a politician, not a leader.
I have thought and thought about what the president could have done, and honestly do not have a clue. He's one man and it's not his job to make the laws. Even Boehner couldn't gather his own damn party...the president is makeing both sides mad, that means he probably is the adult in the room
Annie
In '08, I was duped into giving Obama a shot. I'd hoped that he was more than an empty suit that got good grades in public speaking class.
Always trust your first impressions!
His announcement last night made me think of his first day in office when he signed an executive order to crush the lobbiests. A lot of hope no change.
Reinforced my feelings. He is in way over his head on this and most things.
I can't blame Obama for a mess that was made by others. He was backed into a wall where no one could win and everyone would lose. Give me Obama any day..let's send the teapartiers home!
I am prouder than ever of my vote for President Obama and am embarrassed that we surrounded him with so many radical Tea Party Republicans who are more qualified to be suicide bombers than leaders of a great nation.
After succeeding in making our once proud democracy the laughing stock of the civilized world, it was disgusting to hear John Boehner brag that he and his gang of Tea Party extortionists got 98% of what they wanted for finally agreeing to let the government pay our bills.
The public will appreciate not having to watch the Republican Speaker cry on national television but many avrage citizens will be crying when it becomes apparent they are only getting 2% of what they expected...
INTELLIGENT POLITICAL REPRESENTATION AND JOBS!
Alston Jones
Boise, Idaho
I still admire Obama & will vote for him again. He & congress were held hostage by the Tea Party. It was either take an unsatisfactory deal, or allow the country to go into default. I hope all the citizens who voted Tea Party candidates in are having serious second thoughts.
President Obama has proven he has no backbone. He has essentially turned over the government to a group of babies who stamp their feet and get their way. If he had any cajones, he would have used Amendment 14 to show the toddlers their tantrums won't work. This country is not only for the Tea Partiers.
I have never been so ashamed of my government – nor so afraid.
I think we should start a "Draft Bernie Sanders" movement to challenge Obama in 2012. I've been a strong supporter of the President, but this "compromise" is the last straw!
Pat Cooper from Hunt Valley, MD
Jack, by necessity, Presidents must govern from the middle. The fact that the lunatic fringe on both the left and the right is unhappy should come as no surprise to anyone. That's the way American politics works. Quite frankly, I applaud President Obama for his statesmanship in the face of adversity imposed by the extremist on both side.
As an independent, I can independently say that the president has surrendered in almost every deal with the Republicans. I Think someone needs to tell this guy that the name, "The White House", did not derive it's name from the white flag flying over it.
My perception hasn't changed about Pres. Obama, I never cared for him in the first place. I knew he was destine to fail as the leader from the beginning. He is going to fall in line with every other president this nation has had and leave the economy is worse shape then when they took office. It is a cycle that will never end. I don't believe anything that comes out of Washington anymore. No faith here.
It hasn't, I don't blame Obama for the crisis. It has, however, altered my view of John Boehner and the Tea Party. I have gained respect for John Boehner and lost almost all respect for the Tea Party. There is a large difference between staying true to principles and holding the country hostage. I used to want a three-party system in our country. Now, I long for the days when there were only two. Who would have ever thought the Republican Party would be the center?
Trevor
Canton, Ohio
This hasn't changed my perception of the President, but it has changed my perception of our political system. All I see is a bunch of corrupt politicians working for special interest. If a normal American can't pay a lobbyist $1 million dollars a year to voice their entitled opinion, then what kind of system do we really have? A corrupt Plutocracy...we need a complete political revolution.
World's Worst Poker Player
Obama was disappointed over the results of his golf outing went with the
congressional leaders, so he decided to hold a poker night.
The invitations went out, the card room was reserved, drinks and
snacks were stocked, and the night began.
Obama dealt out the cards, looked at his hand, turned all his cards
face up on the table and asked:
"Okay, now who wants to place a bet?"
No, Obama may be the only one that is thinking of the American people in such a way as to give in rather than hurt America. I don't know of anyone else who thinks that way. It's like the Bible........give up a child, rather than have it killed. (Solomon)
Most are out for themselves!!!!
You can lead a dumb horse to water. But you can't make them drink.
The entire situation was just yet another sad realization that all politicians play politics to save their seats instead of the country, though I still support Obama and put most of the blame on Congress.
He should've kept his ground on the debt issue. I have respect for Obama, I hope he knows what he is doing but this is going to affect me when I go vote. The Tea Party and the GOP have offically ruined America! Lets all go be British again or have a revolution towards this Congress because its clear this country cannot sustain itself. The GOP and Tea Party are bringing us all down like the German government in 1945... If I cant have my way, you'll all suffer...and we will.
Oboma has caved in again,seniors will suffer the most.He's done. A one time president for sure.The republican's, shame on them .
President OBAMA A++
THE TEA PARTY D–
The Republican Party D–
the Only LEADER that called out for a ;
bi-partisan compromise and
handshake was CLEARLY and OBVIOUSLY
the most honorable: PRESIDENT OBAMA.
Thankyou President Obama for caring more about the American People than the POLITICAL AGENDA's of the TEA Party and the
Republican Party. 100% LEADERSHIP accredited to; the most
honorable President Obama. Bless you President Obama
I respect the President even more than I did before. He could have acted unilaterally to raise the debt ceiling, but he opted to allow both sides to work out the issue together. That, to me, is effective leadership.
Albany, NY
Jack,
I cast my vote for "change" when I voted for Barack Obama for president. Unfortunately, I didn't know he was going to change into a Republican.
If President Obama continues to concede to the conservative tea party then what is the point of having a Democratic President? However he will still have my vote in 2012, if a conservative wins the presidency again the Republicans will shut up about the debt and increase it by trillions, unchecked like the previous administration.
Jack, it makes him Bozo the clown in that 3 ring circus he keeps talking about.
Also a 1 ring/term president.
Pat
SC
Admire President Obama because he sacrifficed himself politically to stop the madness of the Republican party.
He has always been a man of the people and he has just shown that he IS.
President Obama falls victim to the 2-party political system in the U.S. We should point the finger at the 535 members of the House and Senate because THEY are shaming Americans by not being able to balance the nations checkbook. I never thought being an American would feel this way...
President Obama, along with the Republicans and Democrats have scammed the American people. It's like as if I wanted to buy that mansion on the hill, but was told I can only buy the big house in the country club when I only have the funds to stay put in my apartment. This is not a deficit cut.
Didn't think a community organizer that had minimal impact in the few years in the Senate other than voting 'present' was qualified to be President. O'bum'ah has neither shown he had the basic requisites nor shown he has the skill to grow into the job. Well past the time to minimize the damage and get him out.
It actually re-enforces an image of shrewd negotiating skills. Wait a second and hear me out. The deal as it stands would in it's worst case scenario make half of all cuts from defense. Without revenues on the table, as they have been under these negotiations, having half of all cuts come from the defense budget as they would without an agreement from the committee. He has defined the shape that cuts take, and is getting the Republican Party to vote for cuts in one of their own pet departments. I have to give him credit where credit is due.
No. Boener and the Republicans have played a game of chicken with the President and Democrats, and if anything they are the ones to blame. Ultimately Congress is who makes the bills and decisions and the President can only guide them. It's not his fault if they're too stubborn to listen to him. If anybody is to blame for this crisis, its the GOP.
I admire the President more and more every day. Cafferty..your Republicanism is showing along with your blue tie. We don't need more negative comments. My country right or right.
Jack it looks like the President is more worried about his election than this debt situation. One thing I can say is that this situation will allow the one world currency. I voted for the President, however, Barack Obama (BO) got to go.
Yes Jack. I am a life long democrat and was a HUGE Obama supporter. While I feel he is a great man I feel now he is in over his head. I now believe he was elected about 8 years too early!
The fact that people on both sides are angry means it was an actual compromise. I'm not happy about it at all, but compared to default it had to be done. I'm a liberal leaning economist who voted for Obama and I'm still 100% behind him. We need deeper cuts and revenues increases on the wealthy to get the debt under control, but it's now on us voters to get the right people elected if we want to change things.
Without an Obama primary fight, Democrats better brush up on their Republican candidates to see which one they can get behind for the general election. President Obama has just lost my vote.
This President has inherited a complete mess which it took 8 years to make with Republican and Democrats "Rubber stamping" the idiocy of the Bush administration. In 2.5 years the country expects that all should be fixed and this is unrealistic.
I believe that the President and Democrats have squandered the first two years by wasting their time looking for compromise. The Tea Party didn't and they did EVERYTHING they could to push their agenda and now Boehner is running scared since he is operating in a position of weakness.
Give the Republicans the White House in 2012, America and don't complain when you see the outcome!
When I voted for him I thought he would be a great President. He has not been. Other than his two appointments to the Supreme Court, he is worse than Bush. They are all bought and paid for by the wealthy and big corps. The regular people have no chance anymore. It is sick.
The debt ceiling crisis has not altered my perception of BO; I always thought he was a boob. What this debt thing HAS done is that it has exposed him for what he is – incapable of being U.S. President. AND it has shown all those who voted for him and fell for the "yes we can" hoopla crap that romance is no reason to vote for a President and that they were "snowed" and fell for it.
Better luck next election folks!!
I'm voting for a businessman!!
It did not alter my perception. How do you govern with a Tea Party bullying mentality other than trying to come to a middle of the road approach? The "chosen" committee will tell the final tale (tail?!) to determine which path America takes. Already the Republicans are thinking of choosing folks who don't/won't think outside the box...duh-tax hikes on the wealthy and wealthy big business...
Jack, there is little to which you can do and achieve if majority of the people want you to fail. How ever you look at it, no one ever wished any president failure...........I am beginning to think BHO's skin color has a lot to do with what's going on.
President Obama still ROCKS! Who thinks he's a loser? What? Since when does being sensible, responsible and willing to compromise with "crazy" make you a loser? I'm appalled at Harry Belafonte…he should know better than anyone that being a lasting man of courage in a time that's difficult takes a LOT of class, patience and doing what's right, not popular. If you want to compare President Obama to President Carter, a man who is seen as a unsuccessful president, but is one of the most fantastic leaders in our history, go right ahead!
President Obama campaigned on reaching across the isle, and reach he did. It's called compromise. What would your question be if he steadfastly refused to concessions and we defaulted??
Hillary was my girl, but I voted for him and hoped for the best. Unfortunately, it has been a downward slide ever since. He is this century's Woodrow Wilson. Too cerebral, too conciliatory, reading the international tea leaves more than his own country's. History may judge him better, but for now, my vote says one term.
It's the republican leadership that I worry about. The Tea Party as lead the republican leadership, someone needs to stand up to those extremists and show them what compromise is
Jack, the president has become the unseen character from SNL, Mr. Lubener, the husband/parent born without a spine! I have given up any hope I had for this President. I think it's time for another democrat to challenge him in the primaries!
I voted for President Obama, and have been a lifelong Democrat. But I am furious that he caved in to pressure, again. It was bad enough when he caved on extending the Bush tax cuts to those earning over $250,000 a year. He campaigned on NOT doing that, and then, as soon as there was pressure from the Tea Party, he gave up. The giving-up on this debt issue is the worst thing I have seen from him, and confirms what the critics say, that he has no backbone. We will never get rid of the Tea Party now, they have won, and now they see that all they have to do is say no, and he'll cave. What a disappointment.
President WHO? I voted for him back in 2008 based on CHANGE. What change we have had, All in the WRONG direction. I have never been so dissapointed in an elected official as I am in Mr. Obama. It seems when it comes down to it, he backs down and shows serious signs of weakness. Hate to say it, BUT at this point, Sarah Palin could have done what he has done. Screw the country up even more. We democrats controlled the house and senate back in 08 and couldnt fix the debt problem then, now they blame it on the republicans...So much for showing leadership Mr. Obama, 2012 doesnt look to good for your future, No chance in my vote again
Yes, and it makes me very sad. I love President Obama, but I feel that this time he truly gave the store away. He should have used the 4th amendment to call the Tea Party's bluff. Now I question his metal. I can't believe I am saying this, but I may not vote for him again.
The republican party is completley right, the economy will NOT grow if they do not higher the unemployment rates. 9% is very Unexceptable. By cutting jobs such as teachers, fire fighters and police officers will not help this. Obama needs to step up to the plate or get out.
I've supported President Obama and I will continue even though I wish he would quit saying yes and stand up to the republican/teaparty..the reason..what's the alternative?? Definitely not the republican/teaparty and the far right candidates!!
I still like him. I think he's an honorable, intelligent and thoughtful American who is dedicated to doing what he thinks is best for his country. He's not Superman .. how is he supposed to negotiate with people who refuse to negotiate? Stop criticizing, Jack, until you've walked a mile in his shoes. Not bloody likely!
Obama has done more good than any human being could possibly do with all the issues on his plate. Too many small minded people just want to see him fail. He is smarter than all of us including the news media. We will come through this. Give him the credit he is due.
I was very hopeful, but I think he is a wimp.
Though I still love and support the President, he needs to "grow a pair" and pushback to the Republicans/Tea Party. Compromise does not mean capitulation. The Tea Party got what they wanted, what did the Democrats get? We will NEVER be able to cut our way out of a 15 Trillion dollar deficit. Taxes have be raised on the wealthy, loopholes have to be closed. If not now, when!?
Jack - It has not altered my perception of President. He is still the politician for the majority of the American people. When faced with Americans not getting unemployment if he did not support the Bush tax cuts, he watched for those in need. When our ENTIRE country was for the first time in history faced with default and those of us who have 401k programs losing our hard earned savings, he once again protected the American people. While Republicans are bragging today about blocking tax increases to rich, they have not at one moment, expressed satisfaction about not defaulting. They were willing on both occasions to sacrifice the US for rich people - 2% of the US population. He will continue to have my support.
President Obama has become simply the least worst option as a leader. His repeated failures to stick to a point, to negotiate from strength or the moral courage to say "No" and mean it, has fundamentally altered my view of him. We have a president with a spine of Straw – and despite liking him as a person – I will not vote for him in 2012.
Yes. I voted for Mr. Obama hoping for a new era of change in Washington, thinking he had the leadership ability and charisma to lead the charge. Two years later we're deeper in debt, still in war, and our Congress is more stupified than ever. Once again, it's time for change...
My opinion of President Obama has not been altered by the debt crisis, but my opinion of Tea Party congressmen certainly has been forever altered. They should not and will not be re-elected because they are not fit to represent anyone in a democracy.
I and my husband, sister and many close friends back President Obama 100%
Not at all, I am happy that we have a President who looks at the big picture. He understands that he represents all the citizens of the United States, not just the Democrats. We need a middle of the road person in charge, not someone on the far left, that's why President Clinton was so popular. No country can run successfully when it goes to extremes, rather it's far left or far right.
Jack – In a word NO! I think he is a good President but I think both the Republican and Democratic parties have grown so Partisan that they just cant get anything done. It borders on hatred for each other which makes this all the more sad. Republicans have shown their true colors by continuing to cow tow to the rich and the Democrats continue to show their lack of spine. Pelosi and Reid need to go. OBAMA inherited a large part of the debt from Bush. Americans dont know who to believe anymore but it seems to me that the media hasn't done its job in helping to educate the masses. This isnt just a low point for OBAMA, its a low point for the American People.
Despite what many think about Obama's poor handling of this crisis, he has demonstrated a skill that most of his predecessors did not have. He is a master, statesman, and diplomat. He had every right to delegate the charge of this crisis to Congress, where it belongs. Many leaders do not have the courage to cede their power to other bodies to work out a crisis. But President Obama did! It must have been a most difficult thing to delegate this to such partisan bodies. I do believe though that unfortunately he will suffer as a result because America is not yet ready for a diplomat President.
Jack,
I have always been a huge supporter of President Obama, and defended him even when it was not popular to do so; however, I am so disappointed in his stance on the debt ceiling crisis and his caving in to the tea party and the GOP AGAIN, that I just can no longer support him. He has given in one too many times and I will not be voting for him in the 2012 election. Of course I can't in good vote for a republican, so I guess I just won't vote in the upcoming presidential election.
Martie
Jamestown, PA
This issue has not altered my opinion of President Obama; he is still America's best HOPE for improvement in our country and keeping our image respectable abroad. It did change my mind about the ignorance of the Tea Party. It is not governing to sign pledges that cripples decision making with compromise . Also, I saw attacks on Chris Matthews and others coming from and stubborness and ignoranance regarding the issues and an overall lack of'education–that sums up tea party members.
If I knew President Obama would buckle, cave, flinch, cower, cringe, crouch, draw back, duck, elude, eschew, evade, flee, quail, recede, recoil, retire, retreat, shirk, and surrender every promise he made in 2008, I would've voted for McCain
It has not altered my feelings towards the president. It has just
confirmed what I knew all along.... We have a bunch of jerks in
Congress!
I think that president Obama has handled the debt ceiling talks very well given the circustances that he was in – a GOP majority in congress with a bunch a rightwing extremist nuts of the teaparty opposing everything that the president wants to do just to frustrate him and take his attention away from doing things that will improve the economy and the job market. The extremists in his own party are no good either. They don't like him because he is a centrist and wants to do what is good for the country and not just his party. Yes I will support him but wish he toughens up a bit and kick (politically speaking) those idiots who are opposing him all the time.
No I really like this deal. I think President Obama held out and got the most important part which was not to have to do this again in his term. This deal sounds like a grown up right thing to do and both sides got some of what was important. I am happy that the cutting of spending will be done over time and that a committee will work on it with huge consequences to the "kids" in Congress if they have another temper tantrum.
Disgraceful! A rightous man with Obamas power would not let Americans fall into such a depressing state..the feelings of seniors in this country will never be the same...let alone the young and their aspirations.
Jack
You have been down grading the president since he has been in office.Why don"t you just go to fox news.Please tell me what you would have dun with a filabuster threat that would have been worse the giving in a little?
So, what are our choices in the 2012 elections... President Obama or "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse"?
It's furthered lowered my opinion of the Republicans who are willing to hold America hostige, sacrifice social security and medicare and keep the fat cats fat......John Boener is the disappointment here....he has allowed the fringe tea party nuts to nearly destroy America....
NOT AT ALL...He has shown me that there is at least one grown up in Washington....In the long run he will get what he wants...
No. The Tea Party (freshman republicans) are holding the country hostage based on unreasonable and unrealistic expectations. It is ridiculous that we are even in the situation. They are "anti-goverment" and it looks like they may get their way. No government. Even the majority of Republicans think they can't govern. Obama has done more than anyone can do in trying to negotiate with those who simply won't negotiate. I also can't understand why we can't stop the tax cuts for those making more than $250,000 or at least REDUCE them. The rich are getting richer and the poor poorer. The previous middle class are the new poor. Doesn't anyone see that?
Jack,
My perception of Pres. Obama has not been altered. All he asked Congress to do was raise the debt ceiling. It was the Republicans who decided to give him what he wanted with conditions. This could have been handled weeks ago, if conditions were not attached. Raising the debt ceiling is not increasing debt. The debt is already there. It is ashame that the Republicans and Tea Party would hold our country hostage and have our image in the world change because of their agenda. They have demonstrated that they are not doing what is best for our country, but what is best for them. Shame on them!!!
President Obama is the only person in this debacle who has acted in a civil, fair, dignified, presidential manner.
The tea party members came to disrupt and the president was never
going to change their direction.
Unfortunately there are no winners in this situation.
I am younger than the ME generation members. I appreciate the balance that President Obama has brought to the table.He inherited a mess, but has kept a level head and has been an accomplished problem-solver. I am very disappointed in the Tea Party extortion, lies, and temper tantrums. I expected better of our elected representatives. Democrats make themselves look weak. They would do well to stop criticizing President Obama and fight against those who are willing to commit treason against the USA, not pay our debt, and put our country at the mercy of other countries.
I campaigned for Obama, and spent time and money. I haven't been as disappointed in a president that I voted for, since Nixon. He isn't a strong president that he claimed to be. He sold the govt. to the Tea Party.
I think President Obama has done a terrific job! How else would you handle this stubborn, mean, selfish and childish congress? He's keeping the US out of serious trouble and shame on all of those that are critical of him. All of this mess is Mr. Bushes fault!
It hasn't I unlike some people I can see that he is actually trying to do something. People don't see that the Republicans are just throwing hissy fits and giving the president the silent treatment when they don't get there way. It's time to stop being politicians and start being statesmen.
Please...Obama is the only one I trust in this debate. When a hostage situation goes bad, you don't blame the negotiator, you blame the hostage takers. The Republicans are idiots. I'll be voting for Obama in 2012 because he's proven once again that he's the only responsible adult in the room.
Dear Jack,
I think it is about time we give credit where credit is due. President Obama has been fighting a valiant fight. He has managed to protect the American safety net programs to date. It is a pity that the tea party has won overall on this particular bill, since they do not care if they bring this country to it's knees financially. The President was handed a sinking ship and has atleast managed to create a stabilized ark (hard to handle but still afloat.)
Linda
If he had the courage I would have hoped he had, he would invoke the 14th ammendment, raise the debt ceiling and tell the rest of the government that can't govern to stuff it!!!
President Obama has been fighting an uphill battle since being elected. There is a faction of the population who wants to see him fail as the first African American president. This is seen even when the news media often refers to him as "Mr. Obama." I truly thought our country had progressed farther than this. President Obama is a thoughtful, intelligent man who wants our country to be the best it can be. He has been met by naysayers at every turn in the road. He has my support, but I am frustrated because is unable to meet some of his campaign goals such as universal health care and not renewing the tax cuts for the wealthiest of our population.
Between Obama signing this budget surrender treaty, the one he signed last December, and his constantly being bullied around by the Republicans; I honestly think that Jimmy Carter looks like both Mount Everest and the Rock of Gibraltar when compared to Obama!
My basic opinion of the President has not changed. Trying to govern with a molotov cocktail throwing minority in the House is next to impossible. At least he understands the Constitution, which is more than can be said of Tea Party Republican Grimm from Staten Island who commented on CNN that the ONLY way to amend the constitution was to initiate it in the House and Senate. He should read the constitution – amendments can be initiated by 2/3 of the state legislatures as well. I hope his economics is better than his civics.
This situation hasn't altered my perception of him at all. That damage was was done as soon as he decided to keep prosecuting the NSA whistle blowers and through his flip flopping on the Patriot act issue.
He's proven himself, over and over again, as a president that will say one thing, yet do the exact opposite of what he campaigned on.
Why his latest caving comes as a surprise to some people has me almost as perplexed as one of GW's speeches.
Philip
Draper Utah.
Not at all..He is what we always thought he was..INEPT and UNQUALIFIED..
Here;s the flip side. A good man came to Washington vowing to change it. He has tried patiently to sit back and dared a congress, cowed into blind obedience by a self admitted cowboy's shoot first and ask questions later behavior, to salvage the American ideals of bi-partisan government. I think he takes the long and unselfish view that this will take time. Of course a cult arrived on the scene, totally unconcerned with government, wisdom or responsibility. They are a small deterance to Obama's profound vision of what we can be.
I do not think President Obama is a loser. Rather than sacrifice the well-being of the US for the sake of political grandstanding, Obama has done what a good president should do. He has put the needs of average Americans before his own, making an unpopular decision that keeps America's credit rating intact.
It sickens me to see what is happening to our country, especially with respect to the lynching this president has endured, unlike ANY other president in this country's sordid history.
In my opinion, there is no way a white majority would allow a black president to succeed and the Tea Party has proven this to be more than true. The Democratic Party has failed this president, and more importantly, the middle class.
Perhaps it's time for the Black Tea Party to emerge and lead this country back to the people the Tea Party has stolen it from.
Right president, wrong party.
If he would have graduated from "Circus College" then I would have considered his leadership a failure. It is very difficult to get the clowns of the Tea Party to think intelligently about the chaos they are creating. The gene pool there is too shallow. Just ask Boehner....
Barack Hussein Obama has capitulated to the Republican Party on this issue.
From now on, his approval rating will go south of 40 percent and it will be very uphill for him to win re election in 2012.
Regards
Dm
I've had it. Given up. Don't care. President Obama has let down all who voted for him. No need to waste my vote in the next Presidential election on a 4-year lame duck (Obama). So disappointed. I had high hopes in him, but he just doesn't have the leadership required to call the bluff on those who would hold our entire nation at hostage. I guess once this is over we will be expected to just forget that elected representatives have put Americans on the very of national suicide and caused us financial loss AGAIN. I may just throw up because I don't know if I can stomach hearing them pat themselves on the back over how they came together to make "hard decision" (oh and that's on the middle class by the way). Excuse me while I take time to throw up.
It has not! President Obama has done the best he can with this deal and while I hate that the deal does not include tax revenues, which it should, I also realize that the bigger goal is to not allow our country to go into default. The Commission must work on a balanced solution between now and November; that solution must include tax revenues.
It hasn't changed it at all. I've nver seen him as anything but an orator and front man for whatever bunch backed his nomination.
Nashville, TN
Obama is doing an OK, not good, job... He's up against people who stated outright before he was inaugurated that they'd fight anything he did. Whether if it was good for the country or not. They wanted him to fail. They'll ruin the country trying.
He hasn't failed, he's dealing the best he can against the "Party of No" that doesn't mind risking America's safety and security, just so they can get their own way and serve their wealthy contributors. They sure as heck aren't serving us.
My perception of Pres. Obama has not changed because of this crisis. My perception remains that he is a principled and honest man who is interested not in political power plays, but in real, bold and significant changes in the direction our country is heading. And unlike more recent Presidents, I believe he knows his job is not one of a unilateral executive demanding "my way or the highway" policy changes. He knows he is the head of only one out of three branches of this government, and it's time for the Congress to stop cowering and do the job THEY were elected to do.
Peggy Noonan is sorely mistaken when she says nobody loves President Obama, and to call him a "loser" is disgusting and disrespectful.
President Obama may have given more than we hoped but he's the voice of reason and actually knows that you govern by compromise, unlike the tea-partiers who behave like a dictatorship. The shame is on them for holding our government hostage!