I really don't know anything about politics. I try and try to figure it out. One thing I know is that the wealthy in modern times, past 30 or more years, always win. And every economic chart bears that out. And they won with the tax deal.
And then there's politics. And this president's approvals are going up.
This president's approvals are going up. People are glad to see compromise. They're glad to see the president "act big" and get things done. They're glad for a tax deal, and beltway insiders say how brilliant the president is for taking credit for the tax deal before the Republicans take over the House and could take credit themselves. DADT -- please, that should have been gutted in enforcement by executive order with fervent support of Adm. Mullen and Sec. Gates over a year ago. New START Treaty? Please, it should be done already.
But - politically - this president knew he couldn't be the great conciliator until he had opposition to conciliate with. And now he has it. And in just a few weeks you see what he was hoping for. And his base? Screw all of us who actually understand policy and fight for it. Where else are we going to go? If we back a liberal challenger, all the better for this president.
And without this president, would DADT repeal be done? Would unemployment be extended? Would 911 responders health bill get approved? Would an arms reduction treaty be signed much less enacted? How about school uniforms down the road?
I can understand good policy. I can understand good economics. But I don't think I understand good politics.
And I don't think today's media environment attracts truly talented or honest statesmen into politics. Posturing, messaging, spin wins the day, wins contributors, wins elections.
I think I'm coming to terms with the idea that I am electing not to be "the base." And yet I know I'll vote against the oligarchs no matter the cost. I'll choose the lesser of all evils when it gets down to it. Fine. But I won't fall in line and pretend this president is anything but politically expedient. I don't know if we'll ever get our new Teddy Roosevelt, our Franklin Roosevelt, or for matters of exercising Executive powers, even our Ronald Reagan or dare I say it though it's true... our George W Bush, the great executors of power in office. The wealthy, the oligarchs, the plutocrats... they're just too entrenched. This president could take them on, he has the chops, he could be Teddy Roosevelt... but he won't be. Maybe what he knows is that he can't be. Maybe he understands the presidency in contemplating his potential legacy is no longer that powerful. And then again, maybe he doesn't know how to be that powerful in these times, or doesn't want to make it that powerful because he doesn't see it as feasible or just plain doesn't believe in it.