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Same as It Ever Was

In a typically quotidian column, “Eagle Eye” Alex Conley has decided to tackle the question of President Obama’s “First 100 Days”. Unfortunately for Obama boosters, unambiguous successes have been few and far between since January 20th. After demolishing some conservative straw men, Conley has to admit as much.

What’s interesting about his article, however, isn’t the paint-by-numbers conservative bashing or his shopworn cheerleading, it’s Conley’s apparent difficulty in admitting that, thus far, Obama’s tenure has not departed radically from many of the policies supported by his predecessor.

Thus, we’re informed that Obama has gotten “a strong start in the right direction” and that “[m]ost of Obama’s policies in general have been a reversal of previous policy.”

Evidently Mr. Conley is unfamiliar with the President’s positions on TARP and other bailouts, “Don’t-Ask-Don’t-Tell”, the war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, gay marriage, marijuana legalization, Iran’s nuclear program, the Armenian Genocide, or torture. Even President Obama’s much-vaunted turnaround on Cuba has not amounted to much as of yet.

It seems that old “Eagle Eye” is more impressed by Obama’s towering poll figures on tough questions like “Does he understand the troubles of average Americans?” than the President’s actual policy positions, many of which are barely distinguishable from Bush’s.

  1. CJ Ciaramella says:

    Extra points for a Talking Heads reference, by the way.

    Or were you making a House of Pain reference?

  2. Josh M. says:

    And even if there is a turn-around right now, don’t worry. The economy should be in shambles by no later than 2019. But hey, that will be the next guy’s problem.

  3. Vincent says:

    the economy is starting to turn around from where it was headed

    Is there a shred of evidence to show that Obama had anything to do with it?

  4. Vincent says:

    Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that Obama is, by all accounts, even worse on warrantless wiretapping than Bush ever was, so add that one to the list as well. Oh, and don’t forget about his walkback on lobbyists. He just named the head of MADD to run the National Highway Safety Administration, after all

    Numerous RIAA lawyers are now installed in top jobs at the Justice Department, so one could argue that corporate influence on the government hasn’t abated one iota since January 20th, either.

    Just sayin’, like.

  5. Betz says:

    Overall, I think Obama is doing a fairly good job … it sure isn’t concrete evidence, but the economy is starting to turn around from where it was headed (off a cliff). I can’t really say specifically what he has done to head the change in a better direction, but whatever it is, we are in a better place now than we were three months ago.

    I can’t really think of much else that the president has done beyond focusing on the economy… that is still the biggest issue in a lot of people’s minds, and I don’t think Obama will get much of a chance to return to some of his earlier campaign promises and deliverables until it can stand on it’s own two feet again.

    I am getting really tired of the whole “100 days” shit, though. Fans have been sensationalizing Obama since before he even got elected, about how he has been similar to Abe Lincoln or FDR (or “Chocolate Jesus”). Really? People need to get real … I know you feel all warm and fuzzy with idea of Obama, and that America is suddenly “cool” again … just step into a cold shower, crank one out, and regain focus.

  6. Vincent says:

    I was responding to this:

    Obama enters his 100th day enjoying a 64 percent general approval rating – slightly better than the last six presidents down the line. He also shows ratings in the mid-seventies in Gallup polls with questions such as, “Does he care about the American people?” or “Does he understand the troubles of average Americans?” For now, it seems Obama still has the nation’s trust.

    I also thought I’d point out that President Obama is also continuing Bush’s big government/big spending policies and is actually making our last Commander-in-Chief look positively thrifty.

    So if Mr. Conley thinks the last eight years were, and I quote, “a disaster of astonishing proportions,” the numerous similarities between Bush and Obama should be sending chills up his spine.

  7. Sakaki says:

    Towering poll numbers? Like 54% as put forth by Rasmussen in recent days? I wouldn’t call that towering.

  8. nike urbanism duk says:

    Oh no, what about our promised “change” ? Surprise, surprise, he is a Clintonista. At least he had a interview where he claimed that Kobe was the best basketball player in the world. He also has the Air Force One shoe. And then there is that cute pup. And lots of branded gear and even dog sweaters. Obama and Ospigg have some things in common. Both thrive in a underinformed environment……like that swamp called D.C. Pelosi forgot to pull the plug of. Palin in 2012 ! (with Chuck Hagel as running mate)

  9. Obama Lover says:

    Meanies!!! How can you say such rude things about the President. Obama is the smartest, greatest leader this country has ever had. He knows what he is doing, and I cant believe you guys dont see that he is doing good work. Spread the wealth guys, please understand that it is the only fair thing to do. Look at Sweeden, that place is sweet and liberal. Anyways, I just thought it was important to get a solid democrat argument out there in order to be in line with Pelosi’s “Fairness Doc”

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