That's the title of an outstanding column this week in the New York Times by "moderate" republican David Brooks (link to column below). I'll let you read it, but his basic proposition is that Obama better start moving towards the political center pretty quickly or he's in a world of hurt with respect to his chances of presidential success going forward. Brooks also discusses the trend towards Independents who voted for Obama now abandoning him right and left. Here's what I found to be the best passage of the column (touching upon issues that I often discuss in this space concerning the liberal world view):
"Amazingly, some liberals are now lashing out at Obama because the entire country doesn’t agree with The Huffington Post. Some now argue that the administration should just ignore the ignorant masses and ram health care through using reconciliation, the legislative maneuver that would reduce the need for moderate votes. This would be suicidal. You can’t pass the most important domestic reform in a generation when the majority of voters think you are on the wrong path. To do so would be a sign of unmitigated arrogance. If Obama agrees to use reconciliation, he will permanently affix himself to the liberal wing of his party and permanently alienate independents. He will be president of 35 percent of the country — and good luck getting anything done after that."
You nailed it there, Mr. Brooks.
Posts
