In all the discussions about Obama's position on FISA, his failure to firmly stand up for what we all know is right, it's important to recall the missed opportunities and failures of President Carter.
Carter was a political outsider, a dark horse candidate who seemed to come out of nowhere. He ran against entrenched political interests, as an honest agent of change, inspiring idealistic grassroots Democrats but alienating party insiders. When he arrived in Washington, having run as an outsider on a mission of reform, he found it extremely difficult to govern. The Congress, perceiving him as its enemy, would not support his initiatives. Before long, the American public came to see him as an ineffective leader, a weakling who couldn't control his own party, let alone stand up for Americans during an international political crisis. Keep this in mind when criticizing Barack Obama.
I love the passionate nature of our community. It's an honor to be counted among you, a foot soldier in this epic battle. But idealists, many of whom are too young to remember first hand, must consider the lessons of history.
Most of [Carter's] programs . . . met with opposition in Congress despite the Democratic majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. . . . Carter the populist was quick to criticize Congress and to take his agenda to the American people. . . . Carter's difficulties with Congress undermined the success of his administration, and by 1978 his initial popularity had dissipated in the face of his inability to convert his ideas into legislative realities.
Consider this too:
Carter's most serious problems were with Congress . . . . He had little political credit with senators and representatives, having in effect run against them during his campaign. His inexperienced assistants on Capitol Hill failed to confer adequately with congressional leaders. Carter's attempt to establish new national energy policies languished through two congressional sessions and ended in compromise legislation that satisfied nobody. An ambitious plan to overhaul the income-tax system was shunted aside in favor of more-popular tax reductions. A plan to reform the welfare system was also pushed aside by Congress.
Keep this in mind when calling Obama a sellout. Remember that, once in office, he must govern effectively. Otherwise, there's no point in getting him elected.
Politics is the art of compromise. I'm sorry about that. Truly I am. But it's the truth.
I do not seek to excuse Obama's shortcomings. Like you, I wish he had taken a firmer stand against FISA. However, I do not consider my political instincts better than his. With few exceptions, whenever he's made a choice I thought short sighted, I later came to see his wisdom. The notable exception was his failure to support Ned Lamont in a meaningful way. No doubt he regrets that now. However, my advise to those who are ready to cut and run from the campaign because our candidate isn't ideologically pure enough is to get a grip. The guy didn't rise from nothing for no reason and, as the old saying goes, "politics ain't beanbag."
François Voltaire, the Enlightenment philosopher renowned for his defense of civil liberties, a noted activist progressive of his day, who spoke out for social reform despite strict censorship laws, incurring considerable personal risk, said:
The perfect is the enemy of the good.
Be thankful we have such a great candidate, the greatest political star of a generation, one capable of changing the landscape for years to come.
Once President Obama is safely ensconced in office, I will work with all my heart (with you) to persuade him to be the most enlightened, forward thinking progressive leader we've ever had. Until that blessed day, everyone needs to take a deep breath. Rome wasn't built in a day. The long road through the wilderness that we've been wandering for the last forty years has lead to this moment in history. As we stand poised to enter the promised land, it's absolutely vital that we keep our eyes on the prize.
Update: None of what I've said is meant to leave the impression we shouldn't call the campaign and let our preferences be known. I have. It took a long time to get through but, when I spoke to a volunteer, I explained that I too am an Obama volunteer. Said I'm heartbroken by Barack's statement on FISA and urged him to remember his many committed supporters who want him to not only vote against the bill if the amnesty provision isn't stripped, but to voice support for a filibuster.
Update: I'm not in the habit of asking for recs, but in this case, given the front page diary calling Obama a sellout, please rec this diary if you agree with my points. Thanks.