Open Left

It's the agenda (4.00 / 1)

Bush didn't have any agenda for any domestic issues that involved spending money. His agenda, particularly in the second term, was limited by choice to those things the Executive could do by itself, or blocking anything the Congress passed that wasn't 100% what he ordered them to do.

And notice how complete the failure of every policy?

By contrast, Obama wants huge advances on every front of domestic policy, including bringing back and approving tons of stuff the Bush executive shot down. That requires Congress to act.  

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by: corax @ Fri Jun 26, 2009 at 15:52:57 PM CDT

EXACTLY (4.00 / 1)

I keep on shaking my head at how little credit Obama gets for actually putting healthcare and climate change on the agenda, front and center. The idea that he's been some passive, abentee president is ludicrous.  

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by: ai002h @ Fri Jun 26, 2009 at 19:48:30 PM CDT

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Right (4.00 / 1)

While I agree with Ezra and Chris, it is important that Obama is controlling what congress is working on.  The difference is Obama isn't focused on the details, but Obama is completely dominating the big picture.

He is pushing for some details here and there.  For example, from what I read all the credit for congress still considering a public option goes to the White House.

For the most part, though, he isn't involving himself in the day-to-day debates.

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by: Mark Matson @ Fri Jun 26, 2009 at 20:40:06 PM CDT

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