Monday, April 11, 2011
RIGHT TO BE HARD
Paul Krugman is right to be hard on Obama in his column this morning. I, too, want to hear stronger opposition from the White House and the Democrats to the current Republican push to the far right on the economy. Because I want more from him, however, does not mean that I must withdraw my support. All the more reason, indeed, to redouble it.
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Thank you for creating this place for reason and constructive dialogue. It is a welcome oasis from the adrenaline-charged angry rants. Outrage and an instinct to fight-fire-with-fire may be warranted, but in the same limited way that revenge brings justice. They do not result in healing or real progress. I believe those negative instincts are especially unhelpful in a discussion about Obama, and here's why:
I think we should look a little closer at what went wrong that caused so many of his supporters to feel disappointed or abandoned. First, and probably most obvious, is a candidates compulsion to tell us what we want to hear, along with our own wishful thinking to make up the difference. These resulted in a belief that Obama was much more progressive than he is. (For a reality check "Audacity of Hope" seems to have been a very good description of a center-left democrat who believes in the power of working from common ground.)
Secondly, and I think more at issue, is a widespread misunderstanding of his nature and abilities. Many attributed the amazing success of his campaign to his oratory; a man so strong and persuasive that millions followed. But the amazing strength we assumed he had was never there. Rather, Obama's amazing ability is to channel the passion and faith WE provided. He gave voice to our dreams while tying it to his own vision. He seemed larger than life, because Obama and all of us, believing and working together, generated an incredible energy that lifted and propelled him forward. Then after the election, perhaps because we never realized the depth of our contribution, we pulled back our energy and support, and waited for the magic to happen. And what remained without our support? A very intelligent man, with good intentions and what some call a naive faith in our better nature, which others just label as weakness. And so we watch, feeling betrayed or just disappointed, as he walks on slowly, carefully, sometimes timidly, as though on a tightrope in a hailstorm. Not exactly the superman we had envisioned.
But aside from his ability to give voice to our passion, Obama does have another extraordinary gift. He understands that true, substantial change is possible, but requires a paradigm shift away from sound-bites and judgement, to recognizing our shared humanity, from which flows our common purpose and the way forward. It sounds lofty and idealistic, but it is our calling, and the essence of our nature; by working together an energy gathers that builds on itself, and history shows it's power. But it is not politics, a game which Obama doesn't seem to enjoy or play well. Rather, it is a movement, born from the groundswell of shared purpose that can be the wind in his sails as he leads the way forward.
I am very thankful for your the thoughtful and honest ideas you share, and for your efforts to create a starting point for us to work toward President Obama's re-election. But I am aftraid that if his supporters work only toward that goal, they will continue to be disappointed, and to miss the wonderful opportunity that has been presented to us. The world faces enormous challenges which require a historic level of cooperation and dialogue. And we have as our President, a man who understands this and is ready to lead us on that difficult journey. But it will require our ongoing faith and dedication, and a real understanding that this is the only true 'hope'.
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