Obama’s Own ‘Square Deal’

07 December 2011 |permalink | email article

President Obama on Tuesday delivered a populist speech about fairness and the role of government in the industrial world, making clear that Americans face “a make or break moment for the middle class.” Speaking in Osawatomie, Kan.—where Republican Theodore Roosevelt gave his famed “New Nationalism” radical speech on a “square deal” for all Americans more than a hundred years ago—Obama echoed that vision for all Americans today across the political spectrum by emphasizing the value of hard work, equity and help from the government when needed. Obama echoed Roosevelt’s populist rhetoric, frustration about the slow pace of economic recovery while countering Republican attacks about his indulging in “class warfare.” He defined the developing 2012 presidential as “the most defining issue of our time.” Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, who recently suggested on “Meet the Press” that Roosevelt was a model for Obama, said the president hit “absolutely the right theme that Roosevelt was stressing at the time, which is very relevant to our time.” Goodwin said Roosevelt’s personality resonated even in Obama’s delivery. ”TR spoke in simple declarative sentences. So did Obama today.”

California Politic

The Field Poll finds that fewer than half of state voters say they approve of the job Jerry Brown is doing as governor—more positive than negative and among the highest of any politician in the state. Still, he’ll have to increase his support among voters to pass his new tax plan, expected to be filed with the attorney general’s office as early as Monday. But the plan will face strong opposition on the November 2012 ballot. In another finding the Field Poll found while Californians authorized a high-speed rail project three years ago, voters question costs and management and now want a do-over and “no” vote by a large margin. It’s a pathetic commentary on the inability of state government and prime business shakers and movers to find a way to move statewide rapid transit forward.

Quotable

When Napoleon was asked what qualities he looked for in his generals, he responded, “Just one—that they have to be lucky.” This is the quality President Obama has in abundance—just look at the mess Republicans have made in their presidential race. Things turn out well for Barack Obama.—Richard Cohen, The Washington Post 

Newt Gingrich’s new Iowa ad has everything. And nothing…It’s as light as a confection—six inches of meringue and half an inch of filling. That’s the new Newt, banking on amnesia and nostalgia. He wants the world to forget who he was (and is) and pine for what America was and can be)—Charles M. Blow, The New York Times.

“Russians, we are like bears, we are so patient. But when our patience ends, then we begin to growl.”—Galine I. Pokpova, a 76-year old who voted for United Russia, the governing party, but warned that it needs to start showing results. 

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