What message does it send when some Democrats are ducking President Obama?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
It's a time-honored political tradition: Ducking a presidential candidate with sagging poll numbers.
And a year out from the 2012 election, it looks like some Democrats can't get far enough away from President Obama.
Plenty of Democratic lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, insist that this president is not a political liability.
But as Politico reports, there are growing signs that he is just that.
Take, for example, recent trips that Obama made to Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania - all states where he won in 2008.
In North Carolina, six Democratic House members didn't join the president. Only two lawmakers showed up: a senator who isn't up for re-election until 2014 and a veteran congressman who represents a majority black district.
When the president visited Pittsburgh, no members of Congress attended any of his public events, although a few met him at the airport.
In Michigan, none of the 15 members of the state's congressional delegation showed up with Obama in Detroit. This is a city the president won with 74% of the vote in 2008.
Part of the issue in Michigan might be the president's push for free trade in a state with strong unions.
Some believe that these Democrats' efforts to dodge the president will only backfire.
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell says it's "political idiocy" and calls these members of Congress "complete wusses."
Maybe, maybe not. But if Obama's approval ratings continue to hover in the mid-40s and unemployment stays stuck at 9%, don't be surprised if Democrats keep covering their political backsides.
Here’s my question to you: What message does it send when some Democrats are ducking President Obama?
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Who knows, they are crazy for ducking him. Don't they realize that they are just as responsible as republicans for the mess that we are in? Do nothing congressmen should be trying to do something fast. They are about to all be replaced, who cares if they toe the party line or not.
Jack,
The message is clear. Some Democrats are political cowards. With any luck, they'll get replaced by real Democrats with some political backbone who are able to recognize that Obama is a terrific leader worth their loyalty and support.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
It means that a few Democrats are as stupid as most of the Republican leaders. Most of the Democrats stand with the President. Most support the Jobs Bill. The Republican tea party all voted against the Jobs Bill. We need every job we can get. If we don't pressure the Congress to pass the bill for the American worker we will loose more of our middle class.
The message is that there is a strong bi-partisan effort in Washington concerning JOBS.....Too bad it is protecting their JOBS rather than doing something about the millions of Americans that need jobs.......I guess we are on our own for now...........
If the Democrats cant back Obama they need to be replaced by Democrats that will.Some one needs to get a back bone!
I don't know. I have been too busy watching the world wide live stream live coverage of protest events all around the world the last three weeks. People got Tear Gassed and arrested, by the Police in Oakland last night. What does that mean? Doug. Pepperell, MA>
Democrats haven't had very much backbone in a long time – they appear to be more worried about getting re-elected or being called Socialists than actually moving the country forward. Ducking is typical for them. I just wish there were more "Roosevelt or Truman Democrats" that actually didn't care if the large banks, corporations and Wall Street liked their policy and would actually trust the american people to do the right thing. If the voters don't, they have no one to bame than themselves.
Democ-rat need to stand up for the President he cant do it alone, I dont understand how they can stand back and watch this happen, I think we need to lock them all out and have a vote to remove all the GOP and Democrats and put real working pepole in there place and give each person the same money to run on..
i was a dem .for 72 years 1 yr. into obama term i switch . i love this country to much to let the likes of obama to destroy it
I believe that when the Democrats "duck Pres. Obama" , they are showing their true colors. They are gutless and afraid of losing a cushy job and big paycheck or have no scruples about standing up for their own party. If you are a registered D and were running as a D, then you should be backing the President of the United States or go home. Your constituents expected you to vote for the people at home, those who wanted Pres. Obama to be their leader. When Dems vote otherwise, you let down those voters who trusted in you. I think that people who vote against their party need to refund their paychecks and go home. They are NOT doing what they were elected to do. Look at the mess we are in because of such nonsense.
That there part of that do nothing congress,and the reason why middle class America will not get the relief that they need, which is jobs,we want work not hand outs.
I would hope that it means that members of both parties are coming to their senses, and wish to end the wars, end the bail-outs, and end the unilateral actions of Presidents willing to sacrifice the rule of law on a whim. But I don't think that my hope will be realized...
Ron Paul in 2012...
I hate to say this but it says they are cowards!If they are so socially concious then stand with the Democratic platform.
The reality is more likely that like their counterparts on the right,they are more interested in keeping their job instead of helping the American public.
It is just another example of how money corrupts this govt.
That we dont need blind Party loyalty to do the proper business for the u.s. citizens
The message is simple, they just don't get the point. Republicans may think that being a bully or "tough cowboy" type shows strength, it really doesn't . I takes far more courage to calmly take to arrows of hatred thrown at The President than it does to bully our way around the world. The rest of the world appreciates the way our President handled Libya as should every American who values our reputation, the lives of our Military folks and the economy. As one Southern Lady put it, "only the educated and intelligent people" will vote for President Obama, people who misread him are neither.
I think these things prove that Obama is more of a centrist than people care to admit but also that by being unable to reign in his own party reminds me how gridlocked and divisive Washington is right now. At some point, pragmatism will have to supercede purity.
Jack, the message is that the Democrats who are ducking President Obama want to get reelected. But it is not all that unusual. We all have friends we do not want to be seen with in public. They will flock to Obama if his ratings increase and run from him when the polls numbers look ugly. Heck, I would not want to be seen with some of the ol' gals I once ran around with.
It's that old adage that Democrats are spineless, and I would add cowardly weasels to that. We blame Republicans for placing more importance on keeping the jobs than doing their jobs, when Democrats obviously do it to. The only difference is Republicans hate government, which seems a bit odd, but fodder for another day. We need new and better Democrats if the party is to survive.
It doesn't really mean much politically. Just the same old pundit "cooties" lead-in. The man's done a superb job on everything and anything that hasn't involved gop participation. (sic) Most of his low approval actually comes from his apparent lack of judgement and/or over-optimism with regards to the fairness, rationality and civic responsibility of the other half of his "team of rivals". As soon as he starts aiming at the correct target again, we'll all be back. No doubt. Hey, Jack. Can I run? I have a great 12-12-12 plan. And I know where becky-becky-stan-stan is.
Jack: Believe me when I say, the Democrats, are standing together against the Republicans. The Republicans are good at blaming and pointing out problems, but they are not goof with solutions. President Obama does have plan to put back to work 400,000 teachers and another 150,000 firemen and police officer back to work. What have the Republicans come up with in the last 3 weeks. The Republicans can not even decide on a candidate, because they like to point and blame to much.
It's the every man for himself prinicple. If they are on precarious political ground it is probably expedient for them to abandon party and president in their own self interest.
If things start looking very bad for Obama I expect some Democrat congresspersons will switch to the Republican Party pretty soon.
Jack, it's nothing more than political games. Just like the tons of media coverage given the morons running for the Republican nomination. Nothing is going to matter until the election. That being the case, the Republicans don't stand a chance when standing by the Corporations and against the middle class and the Veterans and the Elderly! Where ya been?
It means they do not want to be around someone who is trying to help this country. Seeing some democrats feel that way then so be it....i will have no problem voting them out of office next november
Simple. It says that members of Congress, are afraid of getting the axe, along with Obama.
Jack, I don't know if it says anything about Obama. Some from the far left are disappointed in his performance I'm sure. I'm looking for someone to vote for rather than vote against the others. Of the rag-tag, babbling ideologues on the far right I see no one I'm willing to even consider. That leaves Obama, whom I not wild about, or a third party candidate. Actually I'm more disenchanted and disgusted with the conduct of congress than Obama, can we get some adults in the room please? Given a choice between Obama and any of the Republicans, I'm going to write in None of the Above, as I have done for local and state elections, or at least the first name that comes to mind. I love this country but really dislike people playing politics with my life, and they want a raise!!!!
The message is that it's all for me and me for me. There is little honor among politicians.
Matt
Rockford
It proves that career politicians will look out for their back sides and have no ethical Morales. democrats or republicans are all the same when it comes to their careers.
Does the message matter as it is self serving?
Long ago as a society we lost the unifying emotion that the phrase "we the people" instilled in all Americans.
For at least the last 30 years it has become "I the person" where individual greed and power lust has replaced doing what is right for "we the people".
The only message it sends Jack, are that these people care only about their re-elections. They refuse to do the jobs they were elected to do, they refuse to listen to the people that elected them and then they refuse to take any blame when things go wrong.
Propaganda is a vicious thing, Jack. It works. The message here is clear to the Kochs, Murdochs, and O'Reillys of the world – keep it coming, it is working! 'Astonishing failures' indeed.
The message to me is clear, too. This country has already sold out to the monied interests. There is no loyalty except to the dollar. God help us all.
It says, loyalty is but for the next election. Just look at the Republican debates, they all sip the tea from the radical right, pushing aside their personal beliefs for votes.
Jack, It tells me what we have known since the Health Care debate, the Democrats don't stick up for their own. The President has faced the immovable wall of republicans and been stabbed in the back by the blue dogs, Nelson and Lieberman. Say what you will about the Republicans, one thing they do very well is stick together. They will follow their President off a cliff and explain for years after why it's not his fault. Democrat will throw Obama under the bus the very next day if he loses in 2012.
Some Dems are ducking Obama because he is so out of touch with the voters who support the local politicians who represent them in Washington. Obama lives in his own detached world and you don't grab the anchor once it has been thrown overboard!
Malvern,PA.
What message does it send when some Democrats are ducking President Obama?
It shows cowardice and mental weakness. If one does not agree to something do not
join it and then forsake it, as you know 'a chain is not stronger than its weakest link'.
When a part of our bodies get ill, we nourish it back to health, we don't forsake it (smile).
It shows me that it isn't just the Republicans in congress that have to go..a few on the democratic side need to be kicked to the curb as well! Running away from the only person who seems to be willing to compromise for the good of the people isn't going to appeal to those people whom the President is trying to help. No matter what the tea publicans tell you!
It probably means that those congress-members jobs are at stake. I'm sure their bosses/constituents are not too happy w/their performance in congress on behalf of their districts. I'm thinking that there will be a huge turnover of congressional "Representatives". Those that do a good job, will stay. Those that just collected lobbyist or special interest money, will most likely be gone. The president is in. It won't be a contest at all. Jack, I just wish the Kochplicans would do what they said they would do.........bring in jobs!!! Where are the jobs, Mr. Boehner?? Cantor??McConnell?? Where are the jobs?? Hint: look in communist China and Mexico for starters. Mr. Boehner, to shake things up, Nationalize Koch Industries and two banks of your choice. Along with raising our import tariffs to 50% on all imported goods. That'll start returning the jobs. And it might just save your job as well.
Obama is starting to get the idea now and is issuing Executive Orders to bypass the Republicans. About time. He better start making some of the people happy–and fast- because his reelection in not a sure thing. These Congress people who are distancing themselves are cowards and only interested in what is best for themselves to get sent back to Washington. None of them are interested in what's best for the people or our country. They all should be booted out.
Mr. Cafferty, it's painfully obvious that the democrats don't want to be associated with this administration's failed policies. The shellacking the democrats experienced in 2010 was just the appetizer... intelligent people are enthusiastic, motivated and eager to jettison the remaining socialists and progressives that are up for re-election in 2012.
Well it certainly on the surface would appear that the democrats see him as a liability to their own reelection and want to put as much distance between him and themselves. Lets face it jack the economy is not getting any better and people are worried. Obama should have been talking about job creation for the last 3 years instead of other things like healthcare and Libya. Obama has no one to blame but himself. He ran for president and won. The economy now belongs to him and his party like it or not.
I think it sends a message that there are a lot of spineless people in politics who are only fair weather friends. They should remember people can see through this and see them for what they are. I live here in Pennsylvania and a politician who would not appear with his president for the simple reason the president poll numbers are low does not appeared to be a person I would vote for to represent me in office. A person like this is easily manipulated and only represents things that are popular.
The Democratic Party is not united like the GOP. The old saying of united we stand; divided we fall is very correct in this situation. These people make me sick and as I see it today, our only chance when the GOP wins the White House that Congress is under democratic control so they get nothing passed, just like now.
tampa, fl apparently you haven't had bill collectors calling you. it means clearly that the rats are jumping ship.
There is no message. They are the supporters that do everything but support anything. They can't misspeak because the don't say anything. When President Obama is re-elected, they will be the first ones to jump up and congratulate him. We all know who they are and we all know what they do and it is a waste of air time to even discuss these paranoid hypocrites. Both parties have them.
it only shows that both parties have their share of wimmps and back stabers. this is another reason that the president can't get things back in order.
Why are our politicians only interested in winning reelection. If you are not doing the job you are sent to washington to do why would you want to go back. The sad thing is the majority of congress belong to the top 1% and things are fine with them. A country without a middle class is a third world country. Wake up America and speak truth to power.
Obama earned his place at the back of the bus..
It says they only have re-election on their minds. Otherwise stand next to him and try to fix the problems in the country.
Nothing changes there. Always the same.
That they are fair-weathered friends, and that when his policies take affect, they will be the first to come back and want to be a "friend" again. Sounds like Mitt Romney to me – flow which ever way the wind blows at anytime for expediency.
I support President Obama.
Jack, the only message that some democrats convey is that they are weak cowards. When the going gets tough, they run and hide like cockroaches. These democrats are not worthy of party membership or being re-elected. they economy will improve, unemployment will drop and Obama will be re-elected. The people who stand by Obama and the Democratic Party through thick and thin are those people who are strong and have integrity.
Mr. Cafferty, President Obama's lack of leadership skills in dealing with a contentious legislative branch is glaring, even though we should all remember that he never really had very much experience at leadership outside of community organizing. It should come as no suprise that many democrats are keeping their distance, especially since President Obama appeared to cave to the Republican House on many issues. After 8 years of the Bush debacle, I still voted for the man against my better judgement. I'm an independent and I will not make the same mistake again. II'll vote for Huntsman in 2012, since all of the rest of those characters in the Republican Party appear to be just as useless as what we have right now.
"I am a wuss and I am willing to take the risk that you won't get reelected over the risk that you will." If the President does get reelected, you can be sure that he will have a better working relationship with the Republicans than his own party.
Knowing the ship is sinking, some of the rats are abonding so they can have jobs in the next term, bad habit to get into, once you do it, your going to do it again. Not very trustworthy.
It says that when some Democrats read a poll, they need to read the whole poll. Obama may be down, but his numbers are twice as good as the do-nothing Rebuplicans. There seem to be some Democrats who want to align themselves with that faction. They do so at their own peril. Obama will be re-elected, bad numbers and all. The voting public knows that he is not to blame for our woes, but rather it is the Congress that thwarts all his attempts at fixing this mess we're in
Dan NY.
It tells you that PROFILES IN COURAGE wasn't a short book because Jack ran out of ink and paper. You could almost completely de-bone Congress with the removal of Barney Frank and Sherrod Brown. Few whales and lots of jelly fish.
The message is that if the Dems up for re election stay away from Obama, they may have a chance; Obama is toxic. They, like the majority of Americans, have realized what a mistake Obama was. In '08, Obama's message was "hope" but the message to him now is "NOPE" January 20, 2013 will finally be the "End of An Error".
Don't know what you think Jack butit this tells me that Obama is in a heap of hurt, right along with the people afraid to stand up for the beliefs and policies of the party that elected them. They were elected because of these beliefs, now when the crunch time comes they jump ship,. guess thats why we have failed in electing people who stand up for us middle class and poor!
Seems the name of the game is "get re-elected", not "represent those who elected us"
This is nothing new in swing districts. It says nothing and is welcome if it works and these Districts go or stay Democratic. I'm sure Obama does not mind, as long as they vote with him in 2013.
The message, as I read it, is that you Mr. President, throughout your entire term so far, ducked the most important issues facing the middle class. You catered to the wealthy by transferring what little wealth we had to them, and you gave our billions to crooks. So now we are ducking you.
Simple message Jack, They are more worried about their sorry butts getting reelected that Obama's agenda to rescue America out of the jobless decline, caused but republican tax cuts and unfunded wars.
I voted Republican last time for President. I'm so glad they didn't win. I'm still angry enough not to be foolish again. Just because President Obama isn't doing it "my way", and I demonstrate that message, that doesn't mean I would vote for the party that created the mess president Obama inherited. If "we the people" knew Bush borrowed the money from China to pay for His wars before he left office, the Republican party would never have received my vote in 2008. Can you believe it...he gave tax breaks to the rich and borrowed money from China to pay for his wars. The message to President Obama... is fight back the Republican Party who did this to "We the people". And then again patience and long suffering are a virtue, so the good book says.
Jack
If history is any kind of an indicator, then the message that it sends is the same message that was sent for President Clinton during his bid for a second term and President Bush in his bid for a second term. Both were re-elected and the Dems that are avoiding President Obama now are merely doing what all politicians do...Go in the self survival mood when the are in re-election mood and have to face the voters again....
The message I get from Democrats who are ducking the president is that they are fickle and that one cannot take what they say seriously. I wouldn't want to vote for someone like that.
Gee, the President comes to the middle and his friends bail, who could have seen that coming? LOL It's too bad as I think he's a well meaning person, just caught between a rock and a hard place where no one comes out a winner. However, just because you appear on a stage with the President doesn't mean that you share all his views. I don't think anyone is naive to believe such a thing, but apparently a lot of Democrats think that way and it's really too bad.
The president had two years wherein he fully controlled the Congress and was able to pass whatever he wanted. His administration is a failure and Pelosi being quoted is a major joke. The system of politics is dismantling America and according to his recent brain surgery idea this morning to by-pass Congress and sign into law whatever he wants to push, is about as UNCONSTITUTIONAL as his he can get. I did not vote "for" or "against" Obama – nor was I happy with the crappy politics on the Republican side this last go around. I am ashamed as an American that we have such a lack of genuine and honest leadership in America today. The "Clear and Present" Danger to America is from within – as they have destroyed our fiscal capacity to weather the cycles that made America the leader in the first place. We are only in an economic depression (not recession) because their leadership is defunct. It is an insult to the Men and Women who have defended, and continue to defend our nation.
It's overdue that both parties quit playing games and work together with the President for the benefit of all Americans, not just the 1% who benefit them personally. Loyalty to all Americans must take priority over party loyalty and loyalty to Wall Street and the Big Banks. Clearly, the current characterss in Congress don't get it. Time for them all to go regardless of party. It's not about abortion, planned parenthood, or golf. It's about JOBS! and neither party gets it except as a sound byte during a campaign pit stop. Party ideology be damned.
Jack, the President is ducking Congress. Would you want to be seen with them?
Four more years.
The alternative is another collapse and default.
In Mexico the mineral deposits were nationalized, did that made the better have a better life or worse?. In Cuba Everything is nationalized did the people got better or worse?. Venezuela used to be a rich industrial country, after the nationalization of a lot of its industries were the people better of or worse?. The message is getting somewhat muddle, Obama believes in Nationalized health care why would the result be any different?
The same message their innaction and gameplaying sends me on a daily basis. They are cowards and don't want to be associated with any reality, perceived or real, that does not directly help their re-election efforts. Politicians are pathetic, regardless of thier affilitation. Forget meeting with the president, the need to worry about meeting their obligations to those they represent. They are ducking those obligations, and that is the real problem.
Jack it is call back stabbing!
It reminds me of a child with a bad report card...hiding when Dad comes in the driveway. How childish. I just wish Obama would quit trying to make everyone happy. Ain't gonna happen.
duck, duck, goose.
To dodge the President is completely stupid... his approval ratings are STILL 3 times higher than those congressional representatives !
Jack, get a LIFE!! I don't think for one moment this is a reflection on President Obama.. They are all fare weather politicians.. If you are in this fight to help the UNEMPLOYED you shouldn't care about the messenger only the MESSAGE!
It means they are cowards and not part of the team and should be shown the door when their time is up. It also means the President should remember these Politicians when they come begging him for help with fund raising and he should let them fend for themselves.
It simply means they are weak and shows true politicians at its best. Its sort of like your friends with people behind close doors, but in public you shy away from them. You and other people who have supported Obama in the past are all against him simply because of his Centrist and calm attitude against the grid-lock in Congress ( btw has the lowest approval rating). Obama has been the underdog before and will be again, but compared to the other runners for President, he is sure to come on top again
I think this means that Obama might be replaced and unpopular with both parties. This is really really sad since I rooted for him during the elections. He may not be the greatest politician, but he is a good person. Maybe it is time for a new Democratic response to Perry, Cain, Gingrich, Huntsman Jr., Romney, etc. In the times we face, we need a person who is bold and also admired.
It means business as usual for many politicians.
Mark
Santa Fe, NM
Jack,
It shows what a bunch of wimps the democrate are! They can't even stand up for their party leader when the going gets tough! How can we expect them to stand up for the people that elected them!
One thing about the republicans they stick together no matter how bad it gets!!! Even when they know ut's not popular!!!
Jesse
Rancho Cucamonga, Ca
It's not just the Democrats, the Republicans have been ducking him since he got elected. God forbid they should be caught working with a Democratic president, much less the first black president.
Did it occur to you that it might just be the other way around? Since satisfaction with Congress is about 9%, maybe Obama said, "Nah that's okay. You stay home!"
There is such a thing that they might have had appointments made far in advance. Your questions look likew it is pick on our President day. Come off of it and cut him some slack. He is doing a great job for what he was handed. Can you imagine what it would have been like if Mccain/balin had won?
I shall vote for President come 2012 and be proud of it.
The Dems in question will hopefully help in making the socialist Obama a one-termer.
It's imperative that he be removed – never has there been a threat like him, to our way of life. He MUST be removed.
It is simply a further extension of what's happening in Washington. The Republicans are not the only ones responsible for this "Do Nothing" Congress. The Democrats' silence is deafening. We have heard no new ideas from the Democrats in Congress for months.
IN a politcal season where everyone is worried about their re-election they arent going to associate themselves to what they view as a "failure". Yet if we look back over the years the only reason The President is viewed as a failur is all the political "cock blocking" that has been going on by the Republicans. I have always felt if some of the things Obama had tried to pass would have benifited the country but because it affected the income of the rulling Republican party Leaders, affected the millions from special interests they received, they wouldnt let him succeed.
So even though he is viewed as a failur he was made oneby all the uncooperative efforts and not soly due to his action or inactions.
It sends the message that these democrats only care about getting elected. Yes the may agree with his policies but only when it is convenient for their own benefit. They lack political courage to stand by their president in good times and bad. That doesn't sound like anyone I would ever vote for.
It means what it always means, the Democrats are not the people you want in a fight, they'll just push you out front while they HAUL U KNOW WHAT.
Jack,
Only in America Jack, the president's poll numbers are higher than those of congress and they are supposedly ducking him, who should be ducking who Jack.
Tony
Ontario, Canada
The President is going to get opposition from both sides of the isle no matter what he does. President Bush warned him of this when Obama first took office. So this is nothing new at all. President Clinton had similar poll numbers the year before his reelection and look what happened. There is just no avoiding these kinds of opposition when your President. And its not a bad thing for Obama at all simply cause his popularity is stronger then I've ever seen of any president. He has the same amount of fans on Facebook as a pop star does. He's not a liability to the democratic party, if anything, he's their best asset. Why? He's the incumbent President.
There are the political "inter-games" (between the parties) and political "intra-games" (within the parties). As Americans, we a fortunate in that we get front row seats to all of these games. It makes reality TV look lame, because of what's at stake. This will continue until we have an electorate that is educated enough to keep opportunistic cowards and charlatans out of office.
It doesn't matter what the Democrats think or do. The more the Republican's running for 2012 election talk, the more Obama is garanteed to be re-elected 2012.
It means that too many of the Domocrates are beholding to the Big Corporations and don't want to lose the money they receive.
What a shame!
Bob in Springfield, MA
The President's approval rating may be relatively low, but compare it to Congress's approval rating and you get a different perspective. Maybe HE doesn't want THEM dragging him down any more. In any case, at least he's demonstrating some political courage in taking the message to the people.
I say you should have taken the Democrats on vacation with you.
Ducking the President means Democrats are not speaking with a clear, united message. Five democrats have 5 diffenent messages. Republicans have the same message even if if is wrong.
It send the message that the democratic congress was as useless to President Obama as the republican side. With control of the house and senate, they should have supported him in everything he was trying to do for the country instead, they were more concerned about getting re-elected. They finally decided to stand up to the President, unfortunately, no one told them he was on their team. I blame them more than I blame the arms crossed, "Just say No" attitude of the right. The one word you don't hear on the democratic side is unanimous.
Jack,
They are doing what good ship mates should do ... They are manning the life rafts jumping ship and letting the Captain go down with the ship !
The cowardice of the Democrats is just as reprehensible as the GOP obstructionists. What it says is that they don't want to represent the President's agenda to protect and represent middle and lower economic class of our country. They'd rather lay low and slither in to office and protect their job security of catering to lobbyist and big business. It's reminiscent of the Al Gore campaign where the Dems ran from Clinton. If they would have had a backbone then, we might not be in this mess now. Unfortunatelly we could be derailed from progress yet again with a less intelligent Texan.
It tells me that the Dems who run from the President are looking out for their own arses. I hope to help vote them all out & send them home for good. Obama is a good man & deserves better. The opinion of a senior citizen who has see a few presidents. (70YRS OLD)
I'm hoping the message says that the democrats are not wanting this country to fail and so they are not supporting any more of President Obama socialist policys.
Of course they are ducking the President.....the real question is why did they sign up with him in the first place? He had no experience in business, little in politics. Having been a community organizer is no resume for the top job.
Perhaps if the media had properly vetted him in the first place, rather than annointing him as the "one", we could have avoided this debacle.
And to those who whine about the Republicans as being "do nothing"...they are the only ones to offer a real plan that solves the problems...thanks to Rep. Paul Ryan.
I sincerely hope that this long national nightmare that is the Obama administration will be over come November, 2012.
Jack its. not about making you look good. It's like going to war and not wanting to kill...pure cowardness
Harker Heights, Tx.
Jack stop acting like you dont know that Democrats are HUSSY.... Republicans are the most united parties have ever live to see, they bring out unpopular bills, what happen??? they all support it no matter what... while Democrats are always afraid to talk or support each other..... They get scared whenever Republicans talk. Shame on them. Obama is a chicago Bull he doesnt care about coward Democrats.
The message is that Democrats have lost faith in their President and their foothold in congress. Now that they know the fear of job loss, perhaps they can do something about it and not continue to cower.
Those democrats "who duck president Obama" are republicans in "SHEEPS CLOTHING". The service to the American middle class and poor takes a backseat to personal wealth and thier own job security! That is what is wrong in Congress! Get rid of those democratic Bums!
Republicans have been planning this since Nov. 2008. Their only goal was to damage the President regardless of the effect on the rest of the nation. Democrats have always prevailed when we have held to our most fundamental belief, "We are all in this together". The Democrats have been able to move this country forward with major change when we have stuck together. From the civil rights to the the progressive Clinton administration. I know that a lot of Dem. leaders are worried about the next election and the Pres. poll numbers. But with damaging policy ideas from the Tea Party led congress now is not the time to bail on what we fought for in the 2008 election. They need to stand with the POTUS and deliver the much need jobs.
The President is getting the kind of support he has given his party members.
I don't think it sends a bad message, in fact I think it might be President Obama asking them not to show up because their numbers are lower than his!
It says they recognize the terrible mistake they make in 2008 by supporting a totally unqualified candidate.
And who has the highest ratings with the American people? President Obama. Not Congress...so democrats get on the band wagon or get out. Democrats, especially in the Senate, appear to be cowards and almost as guilty of cozying up to big money as the Republicans so democrats worry about your jobs, not the President's. He is the only civil person in Washington at the moment. He may not be perfect but a damn sight better than ANYBODY in Congress.
The media sure hopes the public is stupid. Lets see, according to the Republicans way of growing an economy, the globe should be in boom times; during the Bush administration they slashed taxes, slashed regulations – it was capitalism free-for-all – so why aren't there more jobs. Huh? just wonderin' ...could it be that their top-down economic policies are a proven failure? So Republicans want to return to the economic principles of the Bush Admin, and the media barely asks the question..why?..if it didn't work? Republicans and some Media are trying to portray President Barack Obama as "the problem", and most people KNOW that's not the case. Are the Republicans and Media afraid of their corporate masters, is that why the right questions are barely ever asked. My faith is in people, despite the giant misinformation campaign that's going on.
Don't worry. They will sprout a backbone after the elections. Obama, being a nice guy will forgive and forget.
It really is about time the Dems start looking for a new candidate for the 2012 elections. It's really going to get old listening to anything Obama says when every thing he says can be countered with "It got worse while you were in office."
Jack,
You know you would be so handsome if you weren't such a crab....How about a positive thought...
"bob z.
i was a dem .for 72 years 1 yr. into obama term i switch . i love this country to much to let the likes of obama to destroy it"
And then you died.
Since Congress has an even lower approval rating I do not think the President is worrying about these members. If the Democratic members of Congress think they are helping their own chances they better think twice. The jobs of all members of Congress, Republican or Democrat, are in jeopardy. They have done nothing and continue to sit on their hands. They follow Sen. McConnell and support his idea that he will do nothing to help the President to get a second term. Since the first day of the Obama administration Sen. McConnell has voted against the President. The question is why his constituents allow this man to continue in office when he refuses to discuss or work on legislation that might help his constituents because it might help President Obama.
Even you, Mr. Cafferty have not taken this man to task. Is it that you support his views.
The same message that's been true in Washington for a very long time: If you want a true blue friend, get a dog.
Honestly Jack, this is one of the few things democrats do that irritates me to no end. To me, it would make more sense in this current political climate, for democrats to be fully backing and supporting the President considering the current field of GOP candidates.
But in general, this is certainly just a politics thing that is not exclusive to only one party. Every politician is more worried about their jobs than doing what's right – and that is just one of the main issues about our government that needs to be addressed.
Term limits would be a good first step to fix that; but more to the point, why can't politicians just do their jobs and try to make things better for the country, instead of being constantly distracted from their actual duties by having to campaign?
Jack,
It says there are two types of people in Washington. Those that support the President, and those that are too scared to.
He has spent his term dumping things on their laps and backing away from them when the heat gets turned up. I can't blame them from not standing with him if he didn't with them.
I had really hoped Obama would have done something about unrestrained Free Trade but, he has failed to do anything. He could at least get the Dems to put fair trade up fora popular vote. Again, he has done nothing of the kind. Maybe, his time should be over? I voted for his "change" but, nothing of the sort has been delivered.
It means they weren,t invited Jack.If you were Obama would YOU want to be seen with a bunch of washed-up losers who are only 1/3 as popular as you ?
I don't see any difference between Democrats and Republicans anymore. Obama may as well be a Republican. Who could tell? Clinton was the last true Democrat. Too bad he had sexual problems. He knew how to handle the economy. He knew people. I would like to see us pull out of everyone else's wars, and stop all foreign aid; but power and greed does not distinguish between Republicans and Democrats.
Yeah, well they'll be regretting that move if he gets re-elected. He'll remember who stood by him and who didn't. A 2nd term president doesn't have anything to worry about(career wise) and will be merciless...
There no reason to duck the President he still the best candidate we have for President and if anyone is ducking anyone it would be the GOP candidates for congress who have a much lower approval rating then the President and I think that were the real victory is going to happened. We need to also get rid of the Blue dog Democrats as well there standing in the way of the Country.
The message is that some Dems, sadly, are just as owned by Big Business as 99% of Republicans are.
Obama is the BEST PRESIDENT the US has had EVER !!
.
It’s moot – they are all a bunch of lame ducks! All incumbents should be replaced when their seat comes up for re-election regardless of party.
Surprise, surprise, surprise!!!!...That's life Jack! Obama is now a leper to a lot of Dmocrats. He is now a highly toxic and contageous person. As for me, what's the big deal...he will lose anyway next year...
Aint no ducking going on with the Dems. Its the GOP candidates congress should be ducking. These guy's are as nutty as can be. What a line up of jokers when The GOP candidates keep saying doing nothing is the best solution. Any moron can see we need action and good practical solutions. Not this nutty stuff about who was born where that doesn't solve squat. Rick Perry is a joke. ah ah ah
Just tell those senators not to take his money raised also.... great for losers like Ben nelson... I rather see him lose his job then to be watering down the dems plans..
Hey Jack,
Remember when Bush's poll numbers were way down and you all had daily reports about it? About how unpopular the President was? And you didn't let up until Bush lost Congress and even then you didn't let up until Obama won?
Let's see it done to Obama...
Ducking the Presidents efforts – That makes you a traitor to the people. We are watching you will be replaced in2012. Anyone who puts their own political expediency above the will of the people who you put you in office need to go and go quick!!
It shows that the majority of Democrats are more interested in getting re-elected than supporting the President of the United States whose a member of their party. It sends the message that if someone can help you get re-elected, Democrats will associate with you, and if someone can't, Democrats will avoid you.
Don't think it's any different with the Republican Party either ... we saw how most Republicans avoided Bush over the last 2-4 years of him being in office.
When re-election becomes the priority over everything else, we have a broken system. This is one symptom of a larger problem with both political parties.
Lack of backbone, lack of principles, when it comes to polls he is ahead of congress, and in particular ahead of the Republican congress.
Obama will still be President 2012 and beyond. Especially with the set of GOP candidates that we have now. However,the democrats that are running away from him now will be chased out of congress for their political expediency.
I am a lifelong registered Democrat, but I am not as proud to say that as I once was. Too many of them have shown themselves to be cowards, as demonstrated by people ducking President Obama. Things might be better if they had done a better job of standing with him in the first place. Add that to faux Democrats like Ben Nelson, and it's a disaster in the making. We need a strong third party, but the deck is stacked against us.
That their sense of survival far outweighs their sense of honor and decency. They are more concerned with their own re-election and sitting on the fence and not committing to anything, is more important than doing the 'job' (and I use that term loosely) they were supposedly sent to Washington to do. Everyone of them are Do-Nothings and they should be ashamed of themselves.
Ed Rendell is totally right. Ducking the president is nuts. It's like the board of directors of a company ducking their president or CEO. What message would that send to shareholders ?
If the speaker says "Obama is not a political liability" that suggests to me that she has been coached.
Cowards come in all sizes, colors, and political affiliations.
Jack – The Democrats who are not with Obama are making a stupid mistake. They should be behind President Obama all the way. The Democrats are supposed to be on the side of the middle class. Which party are these people representing. The great changes in this country have been fought for by Democrats. If they cannot support their Pesident they should join the Republican Party, we would be much better off without them.
I do not blame Democratic Congressional representatives; most of them are witless and gutless to start with. That is why the teabag party has run over them so thoroughly, on the other hand – this president (for all of the supposed intelligence he has) has not given the Democratic rank and file a clear message.
He was going to give us new hope, well the only hope we see is that the Republicans might pick a moderate for their candidate. He has not stood with labor, or the middle class, or the immigrants.
I just wonder where he stands. If he cannot get someone in Congress to work with him soon, he'll be the one standing in an unemployment line.
Ok, like many Americans, I'm no fan of EITHER party. But I feel the need to rebut something you read on the air about Republicans sticking together and following their president no matter what. Did they not even invite their own president to the last Republican National Convention because he was SO unpopular that to be associated with him meant almost certain failure in the election? Let's please be balanced here, ok?