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OK, I know there is a big disagreement on tactics and the value of a "united front" verses restrained support and pushing hard when the President does not live up to expectations. But honesty within all of this is very important, and even though we don't always recognize it here, I think ultimately we are (mostly) all "on the same team" at DU. Particularly when we get away from the personalities and tactics, and stick with the substance of where we think we need to be as a nation.
There are a lot of Democrats on this board that were disappointed and fought quite hard for the President to take much more progressive stands, and were concerned that he was vacilating too far to the right. I still stand by that, he *was* vacillating and taking stands that were not going to get us to a sustainable state.
But that appears to be changing and I think it is important to this "dialog" to show that "leftward" progressives are not just arguing to "argue". I can only speak for myself, but I am quite pleased with a number of the President's recent policy decisions, and the direction he seems to be heading toward. It appears his administration is moving to a platform that looks more like the traditional Democratic platforms of years past. Did he move there because of the build up in pressures and to get back some of the base? Or did he come to a point that he said "to hell with consequences, I am not going to try and triangulate, it doesn't work", I don't know. But I believe the course is changing, and that is important.
I am beginning to feel that "Hopey/Changey" feeling (again).
I applaud many of the solid and sustainable positions he has taken in recent months, and it is my hope that what is being pronounced, ends up being implimented as strongly, and without serious compromise once it makes paper and is signed.
I will continue to be vigilent, and will continue to push, and yes, critisize when it is appropriate and necessary (just like I did his inconsistant appeasement on offshore drilling). Because I believe that is how the political system works and responds, and I believe this is evidence to that fact.
But I do want to say that my respect for the positions of this President is growing. And though I never intended *not* to vote for him in the next election cycle, if this continues I will do so with much more enthusiasm.
I know this is a difficult time for some here, who are worried about poll numbers and the like, but I believe, if this direction continues in earnest, while it will be a difficult fight, that a far more unified and strengthened party could arise. Imagine; The "Tea Partiers" have captured attention with a mere 14-28% of the population. Now imagine the strength of 40% of the population on our side, energized by the Presidency as it becomes evident that it follows *us*, and the impact that *we* could then have with that kind of enthusiasm?
That is a real "Hope", and I am beginning to feel it. Keep it up Mr. President, this is the way to beat those bastards on the right. And will be far more effective than any other "nuanced" approach. I have "Hope", that you will continue to come on strong and with the "Battering Ram" of "traditional liberal values", which are the true "conservative" approach that will sustain and drive our country back to where it needs to be.
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