Robert Reich on The Martin Bashir Show from MSNBC with Ezra Klein sitting in:
Then this from Reich on Countdown with Keith Olbermann with David Shuster sitting in:
Some made a big deal out of the Gallup 3-day tracking numbers over the weekend with Obama at 39%. While I don't take much stock in this, I do view this as a snap shot of how the electorate feels out here, for now. We have to realize that the debt debacle left scum on all participants, the jobs numbers have been anemic, consumer confidence is very low and the stock market is a ride I would not want to be on right now. This Gallup pause is that a pause, but one that should be looked at continuously as Obama moves forward to 2012. Also note, I believe this is an outlier, until other convincing data comes forward, it should be viewed as such.
The next reality is that we really can not talk up Obama's economic policies. For many these policies have been too little or disastrous depending on your viewpoint. Sorry, we can not go to the voters who are part of the 20M+ unemployed or underemployed and tout economic success, not when we have over 9% unemployment.
So, what is going on? Well, it is obvious that there is a split on how to proceed from the Obama Administration on the jobs front. There is no doubt that some want Obama to tout only the things he can possibly get through congress, while others are for going for the fences and promote a massive Obama Jobs Program. For me, the former is bleh. The trade agreements, patent programs, etc., made to get Republican support will have little or no immediate affect for the joblessness out here, in other words "nobody will see it or feel it." But if the Obama White House craft a full blown Obama Jobs Program, you will see everyone in this country sit up and pay attention. And folks in the end, he must do the latter.
Make no mistake; the public's patience is running thin. The public has watched the constant bickering, nothing getting done, the continuing of giving Wall Street/Banks what they want, while the average person is drowning out here unable to get ahead. Barack Obama can not run on his economic record, but he can run against congress once he introduces his jobs program and take it to the people. This is the only play. Why? Because we all know that the job market is weak, the unemployment rate will be high next year and voters are going to judge based on their bottom line which is their wallet/pocketbook. So, it was good to hear in Decorah, IA that President Obama will send a jobs package to congress.
"I'll be putting forward a very specific plan to boost the economy, to create jobs and to control the deficit," Obama said on the first day of his three-day Midwest bus tour. "And my attitude will be, 'Get it done.' "
If Congress fails to pass the legislation, Obama said, "The choice (in 2012) will be very stark and the choice will be very clear."
This is how Obama will run next year,
AGAINST CONGRESS. This is encouraging, a first step. I am not crazy about anymore deficit talk and really the White House should know this by the polling numbers, but if a massive jobs program evolves then we all should pay attention.
Finally, the Republican Party has issues, mainly named "The Tea Party". While we hear all the crazy nonsense from that side, the public's view of the Tea Party is not so endearing. Even if Rick Perry is the Republican nominee, the question is how he will play to the public. To see how far right the Republican Party has gone, watch this clip from Hardball today with Howard Fineman and Jennifer Donahue. What was fascinating for me was how Donahue called it like it is, "It is over for Mitt Romney" and "...the Tea Party has taken over the Republican Party..." It is obvious that the long held money is now going to Rick Perry.
And you want some oppo research to start off about Perry? Watch Rachel Maddow below:
and Ed Schultz below:
So in true political fashion, "Let the oppo research begin...."