Blitzer: Will Obama follow Clinton's 1994 playbook?
By Wolf Blitzer, Anchor of CNN's 'The Situation Room'
cnnAuthor = "By Wolf Blitzer, Anchor of CNN\'s \'The Situation Room\' ";
(For some reason the video wouldn't post so heres the url to it- http://cnn.com/video/?/video/politics/2010/11/03/obama.clinton.postmid.cnn)
Washington (CNN) -- Watching President Obama react to what he called his "shellacking" in the midterm elections had me remembering then-President Bill Clinton back on November 9, 1994 -- the day after he and his fellow Democrats lost control of the House and the Senate.
I was then CNN's Senior White House correspondent and I vividly remember attending Clinton's news conference. Like Obama this week, he was humble in defeat.
None of us knew what to expect from Clinton on that day 16 years ago, but he came out and was direct -- he said that he took responsibility for the political disaster.
On Wednesday, Obama was clearly somber and sad. But like Clinton in 1994 he answered questions for nearly an hour.
What a difference it was for both presidents from their election days.
Clinton was in Little Rock in November 1992 when he was elected: Obama was in Chicago on November 4, 2008, when he was elected -- exactly two years ago today. How quickly their political fortunes changed.
A fundamental lesson in American politics is that things can -- and often do -- change rather dramatically and very quickly. And that means that things can dramatically change over the next two years as well.
So the issue for Obama is what he does next. Does he follow Clinton's playbook and move toward the center -- what was called "triangulation"? Will Obama separate himself from the liberal base of the Democratic Party -- as Clinton did?
As much as Obama doesn't want to do that, he's a politician, and politicians have a very powerful instinct for their own political survival, especially when they face re-election in two years.
Just ask Clinton. He pushed for welfare reform and a balanced budget -- to the deep concern of his liberal base. But he beat Bob Dole and was re-elected.
QUESTIONS-
1. What do you think Obama will do next? Will he follow Clinton and move towards the center?
2. What are some potential risks and benefits of going either way?
3. In general, should a president do what he really thinks or what the majority of the people think?
4. If Obama really believes what he was doing was right, should he change his direction because that's what the majority of the people want?
5. Why do you think so many Independents voted Republican in this election?
For question #1 and 2, I think Obama will pretty much stay towards the left. All of his speeches he made during his campagn/election were basically all liberal. He was speaking of change and is really devoted to his democratic ways. However, at times he may inch a little closer to the middle, but I believe that he will (for the most part) stay on the left side. If he does stay on the left, republicans might show some disconsent towards him and get mad. They might think that he barely cares about them and just wants to help the less fortunate. At the same time, if he moves towards the center, the democrats might think he is bailling on them and he isn't changing anything after all. Also, if he goes back and fourth, people might think he's "wishy-washy" and not a "strong" president and leader. In addition, based on the latest electorial results, he might not feel as confident because he is liberal and the majority the United States voted Republican. It's really a hard decision for him, and I think he is just going to play each situation by ear and do what he thinks is in the end best for everyone.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to questions #3 and 4, I think in general he should do what the majority of the people think, although it really depends on the situation. As a president, you are supposed to represent the people of the U.S., and you cannot do so unless you speak for the people, not yourself. However, if there is something that you completly disagree with, there might be a reason to do what you think. This would also have to be something small, like a little task or problem... as if it was huge the decision the president would make could hurt our country if he didn't watch out. The whole idea of a nation being one pretty much means that we do things in unity.... we didn't elect a president to make decisions for us without our imput. If the majority of the U.S. wants something (majority maybe meaning over 75%....but probably a little more) and citizens of the U.S. know the whole story, then he should be leaning towards it, however keeping in mind the potential risks. At the same time, the majority of the people of the U.S. are not as well read on the subjects as Obama, so does in a way he does have a right to keep control. On the other hand, people have "given him two years" to impact change, and they do not feel that he is as affective as they had hoped by this time. However, is two years enough time? Overall, the president should in general do what the people of the U.S. think.
I think the reason why so many independents voted Republican this year is because the people of the U.S. need a balance. If they voted Democratic, then we would have a Democratic President and Congress. Of course, none of the Republicans would be happy because in terms the Republicans would "have fewer Congressmens" and the Democrats would "have more Congressmens". This is why I think so many Independents voted Republican in this election.
I think that Barack Obama will in fact follow Bill Clinton's path after the poor midterm elections (from a democratic's point of view). He will move more to the center from a political standpoint because he ha got to raise his appeal to the Republican party, one that is dominating the rest of the political seats. The best way for Obama to make a move, would be one that follows a successful democratic president (Bill Clinton) who struggled with the same issues during his presidency. However, some potential risks would be his loss of an identity. If he moves towards the center of the house, he will be sending a message to many of the liberal Americans, which could make him without a party to completely back him. This being said, it could be beneficial for his popularity, and the abundant Republicans would feel more comfortable with his decisions.
ReplyDeleteFrom an ethical standpoint, a president should do what he thinks, and with the views he was elected for having, but in reality, Obama and any other politician in his position will make a decision that will be the most beneficial to them (one with the majority). Because, when it comes down to it, if the majority of the people agree, he/she will be elected again and liked. This being said, I personally do wish that the president would make the decisions that he/she promised to when he/she was elected. Obama should make the decisions after analyzing the situation with his experience and education, and his cabinet, but not make a irrational decision based on the fact that there are a lot of people who could be misinformed or are trying to do what is best for them, but not for the country.
So many Independent people voted Republican this election because they were worried that all of the political seats were going to become to liberal (wanted to make more conservative) and there wouldn't be enough balance. Also, many people disagree with the democratic decisions as of late (regardless of the economical, social, and political state that the last president left this country in) and they associate all of the bad decisions with democrats (who were controlling the government). They want the house, and the senate, and all of the other political seats to be more balanced. People wanted less government intervening, and less spending (which is a view of Republicans and conservatives). People want to change to political seats because they are disappointed in the agenda, and the rate at which it was getting carried out (very slow). Finally, everybody (including Independents) care about taxes, and the economy, something that directly affects everyone, and by voting Republican, they are trying to cut back on taxes, and hoping that the government spends less.
I think that Obama will move more toward the center like Clinton did. This is because he recently stated in a White House news conference that he is going to have to work with the new Republican majority in the House of Representatives, and the large body of Republicans in the senate, in order to move forward. When Clinton began cooperating with the Republicans during his time as president he got more done than he had when working solely with Democrats. I think that Obama will look toward his example. The potential risk of moving toward the center is that he will loose some of his Democratic support. The potential benefits of this are that, when working in tandem with the Republicans he can make more progress, and he will gain Independent support that was obviously not present for the Democrats in the post- midterm elections.
ReplyDeleteIn general the president should do what the people think. The president is an official elected to represent the people, as all democratic representative government officials are. He has been elected to lead, so he can make unpopular decisions, but if he makes to many he won’t be reelected and he won’t accomplish much. Many Independents voted Republican during this election because they felt that there hasn’t been enough progress made by the government, the economy hasn’t picked up enough, and the unemployment rate is still too high.
I think that Obama will move towards the center because he feels that it will help him out. Most of the rest of the political figures are Republican and Obama wants to make an alliance or relationship with them so that when he needs it most, in the future, he can use them to help him make decisions and figure out what to do next. He needs someone he can look up to and follow. He has decided to follow in the footsteps of Clinton. Obama will try to do what Clinton did but to change what he did wrong. By moving towards to the center Obama is trying to have Clinton help him look towards a brighter America by helping both parties, republican and democratic. But, by moving towards the center he may lose his back-up, his support of his democratic party. Although, if he did not move towards the center he may break anything he hoped to accomplish with the Republicans. He may ruin the chances of connecting the parties. Plus if most of the US voted republican then he has to consider that is he did not move towards the center he may lose the respect of the people. But this is a crucial decision for Obama to make. Whatever he chooses can change the US as a whole. It could help the government immensely or it could back fire and ruin Obama's chances.
ReplyDeleteObama should not make decisions on his own he has to listen to what the people of the US believe and think. Obama can't make his own decisions because he could do something that the people don't agree with and ruin his relationship with the people of the US. The people make up the US, without them the US would not be what we are today. So the views and beliefs are very important or should be very important to the government. But, the president should not just take what the majority of the country thinks because the thoughts may not be well thought through and not complete. Obama should weigh both of his decisions with the decisions of the people and make decisions from there. He should listen to people's beliefs, views, and opinions no matter how it sounds or what it is. He should be open to any views even if they are against his own views. If Obama thought he was doing what was right but the people objected I think he would listen to what they have to say. I think that he would weigh what he thought with what they thought. If he believed that the people were showing a good point he might change his views and what he was doing. But, if he disagreed with the people I think that he would keep what he was doing. He wants to know what we think and how he should run this country but he is not going to let us run it for him, he is still going to change our thoughts a little bit. Overall he should think about both our views and his views.
I think that the Independents voted Republicans because they thought that the government wasn't very balanced. I mean the president is democratic and so they must have thought that most of the rest should be Republican so that they can balance with the president. The president should know both sides of the parties and having a Republican congress is one good way to start.
3. In general, should a president do what he really thinks or what the majority of the people think?:
ReplyDeleteIn being a president there are always hard choices to make. In this situation it is best for Obama to make decisions on his own. After all, he is the president, and was voted by the majority of people to make decisions for this country. It wouldn't necessarily be bad for him to listen to the people, because that would give him respect. On the the other hand, listening to the people could mislead him. He is the president, and he was elected to give the people their freedom of speech. It would be wrong to not give them a chance, but it would also be wrong to ignore them. In the long run, for most cases like this, it would be smart to listen to the people based on their status' (job, money). After all, he has under two years now as president, and i'm sure he plans on trying to re-elect. If he ignores the peoples decision, I would say he has no chance as president again.
4. If Obama really believes what he was doing was right, should he change his direction because that's what the majority of the people want?
This question is fairly similar to the one above. The difference is, this one seems to show that he knows his plan. Barack was elected to stand up for the people, but in this case, he was also elected to state his mind. If he is unsure about a problem or situation, there is no question that he should ask the people. But when it's something like this where he shows his beliefs, he is the right man to trust. It wouldn't be right for him to change his opinion just for popularity. As the president, he must stand up for what he thinks is right.
President Obama will move towards the center, following Clinton's course of action. In doing so, he'll be able to accomplish more without much struggle from the Republican dominated House of Representatives. Moving center would also decrease the the chances of a filibuster. However, in doing so he also risks losing some support from the liberal democratic party.
ReplyDeleteIt is important for a president to do what he feels best, but it is equally, if not more, important to do what the people feel best. A president's decisions should not only reflect his/her own thoughts and opinions, but also the thoughts and opinions of the citizens. President Obama should do try to do what he he sees best, but if it goes against the wishes of the majority of the people, he should alter his course of action.
Independent voters voted Republican this election because the democrats running the country weren't accomplishing enough as they likely saw it. The Independent voters likely desired more immediate results than the democrats were providing.
1 and 2- i think that obama will move toward the middle. i think that because most politics will move to wherever to get the majority vote and the political spot they are looking for. also if obama wants to win, he will have to move toward the middle to satisfy the majority republican population. some risks of going toward the middle is losing some of the dmocratic vote, and some risks of moving away is losing all of the republican vote
ReplyDelete3- a president (if he wants to be president again) should do what the people think because when people are listened to by politics its really makes them more likable.
4- if obama really knows that what he is doing is right, then he should only listen to himself and take the media's crap later.
5- i think so many independents voted republican because obama promised to do more than he could do, and although i feel obama has accomplished plenty, he said he would have done more by now
I believe that Obama will attempt to follow the way the Clinton handled this situation and move more towards the center because he needs to earn the trust and respect of the Republican Party if he wants to be reelected for a second term in office. When Clinton moved toward the center and began to work with the Republican Representatives, he was reelected for a 2nd term as president. If it worked then, it can most likely work now, especially if Obama handles the situation well and gains support in the senate and the country. He does run some potential risks by moving towards the middle. He could lose Democratic votes for possibly not fulfilling the promises that he gave during his campaign. Also, it could be viewed as him giving into popular demands and conforming to Republican beliefs. The greatest risk in this move would be that it doesn’t pay off, that even if he fixes the problems, people won’t reelect him.
ReplyDeleteA president should act on what the people of his county want him to do. Obama has done what people wanted, but not in the way they wanted. If a president acts on his own beliefs, it usually means he is acting on the beliefs of his supporters and party. Obama should not entirely change his direction because of what the majority of people want but he should try to listen to their ideas and apply the ones that people are most angry or passionate about.
I think that many independents voted Republican in the mid-term elections because they want a more even spread in Congress so that the Democratic Party doesn’t control the government. Also, I think many independents don’t like their taxes and saw a way out of the tax problem in their Republican senators, governors and representatives.
I think that Obama will move more towards the center. When the majority of the people who he is now working with are Republican, they will have to make a lot of compromises. If both groups stay completely to their beliefs and sides, nothing will get done. It would all be back and forth. When Clinton moved towards the center, he was able to work with the Republicans to get things done. If Obama was to follow in his footsteps, it could benefit him and the county greatly. Although this could help him gain popularity, he would loss a lot of what he believes in. When he was elected in 2008, it was as a liberal who had certain ideas and goals that he would carry through. By moving more to the middle of the political standpoint, he could potentially loss a lot of the supporters who have been following him since he first ran for president. If he does in fact stay to the left, it would make it very hard for him to function with the other politicians in Washington. When people share drastic views compromise needs to happen, if not they wouldn't be able to work together to move forward and help the people of America. It is a very crucial decision for Obama, and in making it he has to not only think of his reelection, but also living his promises. He has to do what he thinks would benefit the people. He needs to keep in mind the less fortunate, who aren't really represented. He needs to make a conscious decision about really helping the country, because wither he stays more to the left or moves toward the center, his actions that benefit the country is what will get him reelected.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion a president is elected as a voice for the people. Therefore, he needs to stand up for the people of the country, and make sure that their voice is herd. On the other hand though, in order for a person to become president, the majority of the country has to vote for them. This means that a lot of the people but faith and trust into that person. They are also more qualified through whatever the reason ( experience, education, etc.) to make important decisions, than an average person. It obviously depends on the situation, but a president should listen carefully to the people of his/her country, and after hearing different voices make a decision based on what he/ she thinks is right for the country and all of it's people. It would be impossible for a president to make everyone happy with al decisions, so compromises and decisions should be made as to helping the country as a whole. At the end of the day, the person elected president is there for a reason, to make decisions that are beneficial to our country, so no matter what the problem is or the solution, there will always be controversy. So in Obama's case, yes of course people do not agree with everything that he has done. We elected him as our president though, and he still wants the best for our country,as he did two years ago. At this point, halfway through his term maybe he should look back and evaluate what he has done. Maybe he could find ways to improve what he has done, so he stays true to himself and his goals for our country while still going with the majority of the country. He should stay true though, to fulfilling his promises, because that is why we elected him. It may be hard to get things done as president, we do not know, since we have never been in his position. He, as president though should stay true to what he believes will benefit the country, but also while keeping the voice of the people in mind.
I think many independents voted Republican because they were not happy with the way that the democrats were running the country. Most of the political seats were held by democrats up until this election, so wither it was the taxes, the economy, or whatever reason they were not happy with the way things were being done. They wanted change. Yes, this provides more of a balance to how things were before, but I feel that citizens are just flipping their votes when they don't see immediate results. Is two years really enough to completely save a failing economy? They don't give people chance to really change things. The politicians we elected aren't magicians it would be impossible for someone to make very person in the country happy.
ReplyDeletesorry here's my last paragraph it wouldn't let me post it w/ the other too...sorryyy....
In answer to questions #1 and #2, I think that Obama will move towards the center. Obama probably feels that he should because most of the political figures are Republican and he really should try to make an alliance with them, because he will never know when they will come as an advantage to him.
ReplyDelete3 and 4. A president should do a bit of both. He needs to dow what he thinks and believes will be best for the country, but he also needs to do what his people think and believe is best for the country. I think that Obama should really try do do what the people want. After all a president is supposed to represent his people, and isn't representing them if he's not really listening.
5. I think that a lot of independent voters voted for more Republicans because they want to balance to government. The president is a Democrat so they might have voted for Republicans to balance it out. But I also think that they might have just voted for Republicans because they simply just like their ideas better then the Democrats.
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ReplyDelete. I think that President Obama will follow Clinton's path and move towards the center. In the CNN video, Obama states that he will work with both parties, to try to move the country forward. I think Obama has to move towards the center because voters fell that he has not accomplished enough of what he has said he will do in his agenda.
ReplyDelete2.A potential benefit is that more people with embrase his ideas and initiatives. Also, he could get re-elected in the next two years because he will draw the moderates from the republican party. A risk is that if he tries to please everyone, he will lose more of his base of voter, because some of the voters that supported him in the pass may not support his idea of moving towards the center, and the voters in the center may not embrace him either.
3.Presidents should do what is best for the country, and should some what be a combination of doing what they think is right and what the public thinks is right. Not everything the public preposes is right for the country, but also a president should take the publics opinions into consideration. If the public is totally against an idea that the president thinks is right, the public will most likely not support him anymore, and if the public has an idea which the president does not approve, then they might not support him either. the president should have a pretty strong idea of what he thinks is right, but h has to keep the publics ideas in mind because theya re the ones who elected him. Therefore, the president has to do a combination of both.
4. If it is something he strongly believes in, then he should stick to his beliefs. Sometimes certain things matter more than others.
5.I believe that more Independents voted Republican in this election because they weren't happy with the progress that has been taking place during the first two years of this presidential term.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1. President Obama is a politician who is well aware that he faces re-election in two years. With the desire to be a two-term President in order to carry out his promises and plans, President Obama must carefully strategize the best possible plan to help his political situation. Since he has the strong support of the left wing, he may decide to not include a move to the center because this may alienate his strongest supporters. From a tactical standpoint, he may continue to push for his programs despite the fact that it will be an uphill battle since the Republicans now control the House. If his plans do not meet their anticipated level of success, he will be able to pass some of the blame on to the Republicans who most likely will have a separate agenda. The country is in a different predicament and in different economic shape than it was when President Clinton was in office so President Obama will need to be creative in his approach for re-election which must differ from President Clinton’s approach.
ReplyDelete2. If he were to move towards the center, he may broaden his support and stand a better chance of unifying the Democratic and Republican Parties which would help further his plans and programs that are under way. This move may alienate his strong supporters who helped him in his first run for the Presidency. If he choses to stay where he is, he will maintain the strong support of his followers who helped him make it to the office of the President. However, staying in the far left may be costly as he is not doing what the majority of the country wants to see happen at present.
3. The President must respect the wishes of the majority but must do what he feels is in the best interest of the country. His personal viewpoint is not the most important. He is obligated to do what is in the best of the country and to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.
4. Even if President Obama believes that what he is doing is right, he must listen to the voice of the people, determine what is best for the country, and move in that direction. Our government is a government by the people and for the people and the democratic principles must be followed and upheld.
5. At times, people vote based on popularity or the notion of who will be successful in the election which is part of the reason why the Independents voted Republican. Independents also voted Republican because the nation is crying for a change from the current policy of the left wing of the Democratic Party. Sentiments may be that right wing influence may help to correct problems that currently exist in the country.
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ReplyDelete1 + 2: It would be smart for Obama to move towards the center because this could possibly earn him more republican votes which could be very much needed at the time. On the other hand, this could be bad because moving to the center could cause some of his democratic votes to change.
ReplyDeleteAlready did 3+4.. above ^
5: A lot of independents probably voted republican because of being let down in past cases. With all of the promises Obama planned to have, it seemed unlikely for them to all happen. Therefore, because of the past and present, they had no choice but to vote republican in the election.
by the way mr. mejail... my name before was "michael phelps" it wouldn't let me change it before that thats what it came up as above^.
ReplyDelete-zach
1. As a result of the recent elections where a majority of the house seats were given to the Republicans, President Obama is placed in a similar situation as former President Bill Clinton had been placed in. Both of them were faced with the pressure from the public wanting change. I believe President Obama will follow in Clinton's path to try to build a country that satisfies and serves all members of the parties. "I told John Boehner and Mitch McConnell last night, 'I am very eager to sit down with members of BOTH parties and figure out how to move forward together," as quoted by President Obama in his speech (video). Also, this may be beneficial for his upcoming election in two years, especially because many of the independent people who had initially helped Obama win his election, voted for the Republican party this time around.
ReplyDelete2. Moving towards the 'center' may have its benefits as well as risks or downfalls. As a President he feels that it is his duty to listen to the wants and needs of our country. However, this also may cause him to go against his beliefs in order to satisfy both parties. Also, if he were to lean towards one party or the other (will passing certain laws etc) he may lose his liberal supporters or lose some respect from the opposite party (or even both). The benefits are that if in fact, both parties are able to work together and move forward with one another, President Obama will gain more support and respect. The country also might develop into a place where all people are satisfied with and can coexisting without any political tension.
3.As a President, his duty is to listen to the voices of America. In most cases, 'two heads are better than one.' If a president were to follow only what he/she believes is right and what he believes in only,the country may improve in some aspects but not in others. Some achievements can only be accomplished the views of different parties.
As a President, it is wrong to be biased without listening to the other side's opinion or idea. Although many voices arguing different ideas can result in no progress, at least presenting several ways to improve the country is better than just following one idea. Now that there can not be one party dictating over the other, I feel that President Obama, despite how different his beliefs are, will compromise with both.
4. As a President he holds a certain power of making decisions, however he does not hold all the power. And like I mentioned in the previous question, not one party will be able to dictate over the other. President Obama, despite favoring one belief over the other, will need to listen to both sides. However, because he was elected as President, he represents the beliefs of many Americans. One shouldn't lose their belief simply because the majority is against it. Instead he should compromise with both.
5. The independents, surprisingly the ones who influenced President Obama's success in the elections, voted for the Republicans in this recent election. Though I don't think their view is any different from two years ago as now. They wanted change that would benefit this country and so they voted where they believed they would receive change.
-Helen
Responding to question one in Natasha's post, I think that Obama will move towards the center. I think that he will move towards the center because if the republicans control The House and the Democrats control The Senate they need to work together in order to satisfy the citizens of the country.
ReplyDeleteAnswering Natasha's second question, the risk of not siding with his liberal democratic constituency's agenda is that he will lose people from his base of voters and fellow politicans. The benefit with him going more central is he would gain more votes in congress, and with voters. Also, he could build consensus and oass more legislation for the people and the country. If Obama decides to go more right then he faces the risk of not being able to get anything done, and not gain anymore voters. Yet, a benefit of him going more right would be making sure that he has the democrats votes.
In response to Natasha's third question (a very tough one), it is completely based on your opinion. People may argue that a president needs to think of alternative ways in pleasing the poeple, new ideas, not jsut siding with the people (who might be wrong). Yet others may argue that the president should do what is best for the country, the citizens want. I believe that the president shouldn't jsut side with the country, he needs to present a new and improved idea that will help our country succeed and please the people.
Answering Natasha's fourth question, I think that Obama should only change the plans if he is 100% sure that they aren't working. Why just give up programs that have only been in place for two years? You have to give the plan a chance before you shoot it down.
I think that many independents voted for the Republicans because I think that they wanted to show that Obama is not completely in control. Also, they probably wanted to even out things to make our government a neutral government rather the jsut one party.
Sorry for this being late. Last night when I tried to go on it would not let me but i figured it out.