Just heard Tom Selleck on CNN note how "Obama didn't get a mandate from the left-wing of the Democratic Party," implying that this is how Obama is running his government.
Really. So which of Obama's policies have come from the Feingold wing? Universal healthcare? Pulling out of Iraq immediately? Not going into Afghanistan? Trials for war criminals? The end of telecom immunity? Bank nationalization? Higher taxes for the most wealthy (there were no new taxes, Obama just let Bush's preposterous tax cuts expire). Raising the minimum wage? Change to the bankruptcy law? Change to the welfare?
Obama is a centrist....even worse, an American centrist, which in Canada would put him squarely in the middle of the Conservative Party.
Of course, with Blitzer giving the interview there was absolutely zero chance that Selleck's statement would be challenged.
The whole notion is a ridiculous republican talking point that can only exist because the mainstream media have only the most passing familiarity with what their role is in a democracy as well as the fact that, politically speaking, the United States is a very conservative country.
(btw Unlike some of those on the right, I don't deny Selleck - because he's famous - the right to opine. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Problem is you just can't make shit up)
After Mr. Obama has refused to do many of the things you so proudly tout in this very short article, you must feel like a boob. The tone of this article is typical of the average American swallowing whole the idea that Mr. Obama's election (or any other mainstream Republican or Democrat candidate) would make a "difference". Nothing of any real significance has changed.
We are not out of Iraq (and won't be for a long time)
We're starting a new offensive in Afghanistan
Trials for war criminals? Telecom immunity? How flippant you are. Do you expect Mr. Obama to step on the toes of the very interests that elected him?
Your comments are far more preposterous than Mr. Selleck's. This is the very definition of partisan politics stupidity.
Posted by: J.P. Parks | July 14, 2009 at 11:53 AM
ummm, my point was that he WASN'T doing those things and wouldn't because he's a conservative centrist. not at all left wing as Selleck claimed. try again.
Posted by: brian | July 17, 2009 at 08:36 AM