I think John Judis has a point.
I’ll give the three obvious answers before saying what I think is the fundamental problem: First, as for the administration, Obama didn’t get out on the stump soon enough to explain why government spending is essential, and his Treasury Secretary doesn’t at this point appear up to the job. Secondly, the Congressional Republicans either don’t know any economics or are willing to put the country at risk to advance their own party’s fortune. Third, Senate Majority leader Harry Reid failed again–the previous instance was over the auto bailout–to use the power of his position to win support for Democratic initiatives.
But I think the main reason that Obama is having trouble is that there is not a popular left movement that is agitating for him to go well beyond where he would even ideally like to go. Sure, there are leftwing intellectuals like Paul Krugman who are beating the drums for nationalizing the banks and for a $1 trillion-plus stimulus. But I am not referring to intellectuals, but to movements that stir up trouble among voters and get people really angry. Instead, what exists of a popular left is either incapable of action or in Obama’s pocket. ...TNR ... h/t Ken Silverstein
But to be honest, I think it's the bad communications problem which is responsible for the brouhaha. Obama's been doing his job just fine, but I think the O-team has been letting him down serially since tend of the campaign. Probably for a very good reason: they never had time to take breath, gear down, get some rest.
The team have been sloppy vetters. They should have been ready with a plan to backstop recalcitrant, bitchy Republicans who have a tendency to get their message out effectively. Now maybe that's unfair to the team. Maybe they have a plan and the Boss has told them to hold off for a while.
And yes, definitely: Harry Reid's behavior is inexplicable.
Still, I never thought I'd complain about management and communications when it comes to Barack Obama.
