My First Obama Prediction

[silverscreenselect]

... of the Obama presidency, that is. I'm kicking myself that I didn't say something about this yesterday. Last night, Mrs SSS and I were watching inauguration coverage and I said that Obama would very quickly do one or two very public things that would sound very impressive and be hailed as proof he was going to get us going in the right direction, but that would actually accomplish almost nothing substantive. I thought about posting that here in Frank's inauguration thread but decided there'd been enough on that subject for one day.

So now we get the 120-day suspension of the Gitmo prosecutions. It's already being claimed in some rather shoddy reports that he has "halted" the prosecutions, and the usual crowd is saying this is the first big step towards putting right what went wrong the last few years (they make it sound like Obama's the guy from Quantum Leap), while conservatives are moaning that he's about to set these guys free on the streets of New York City.

He sought, and apparently is going to get, essentially a routine continuance in proceedings that have been going on for years already. He hasn't closed Gitmo. He hasn't asked for a dismissal of charges. He hasn't done anything to free these guys or anyone else in Gitmo. He hasn't done anything to open the proceedings to more public scrutiny or to get them transferred to a different tribunal which will afford these people what we consider due process.

I've got no problem with his AG's office taking a look at what's going on. But this could have been done in a much quieter fashion with him making any announcements if and when he does take definitive action. But that's not his style.

Since I can't take credit for last night's prediction to Mrs. SSS, here's one for here: In 120 days, nothing will happen; his "moritorium" will expire and things will proceed in the same shadowy fashion as before. In the meantime, the public and mainstream media will be fixated on something new and virtually no one will comment on this publicly.

[Flybrick]

Very astute analysis.

Still, smart of President Obama to do such a thing. He needs time to develop and implement his policies. I'm willing to give the time to him.

I hope the rest of the world is as well.

[gsabc]

Jeez, Louise, cut the guy a little slack, will ya? He's been in office barely 27 hours! Even his staunchest supporters don't expect him to work the S. Harris transition to get from point A to point B. Let him do stuff and wait more than a second for it to work or not work.

S. Harris transition - from a New Yorker cartoon by S. Harris. Two scientists by a blackboard filled with math formulae on each side. In the middle are the words "Then a miracle occurs".

[silverscreenselect]

Jeez, Louise, cut the guy a little slack, will ya? He's been in office barely 27 hours! Even his staunchest supporters don't expect him to work the S. Harris transition to get from point A to point B. Let him do stuff and wait more than a second for it to work or not work.

I understand that it's going to take time to do some things.

I've got no problem with his AG's office taking a look at what's going on. But this could have been done in a much quieter fashion with him making any announcements if and when he does take definitive action. But that's not his style.

It's not what he's done... it's how he's done it. With Obama, it's always a show for the media. I will give him credit if and when credit is due for accomplishing something progressive. But I won't give him credit for grandstanding trivialities. My last sentence is just a prediction based on what Obama's done in the past.

[15QuestionsAway]

Jeez, Louise, cut the guy a little slack, will ya? He's been in office barely 27 hours! Even his staunchest supporters don't expect him to work the S. Harris transition to get from point A to point B. Let him do stuff and wait more than a second for it to work or not work.

S. Harris transition - from a New Yorker cartoon by S. Harris. Two scientists by a blackboard filled with math formulae on each side. In the middle are the words "Then a miracle occurs".

I hadn't heard of a S. Harris transition, but it immediately made me think of the Underpants Gnomes from South Park:



Thanks for the smile! As for you, SSS, you deserve a mantra. Every time you feel down, look into the mirror and say 10 times: "Secretary of State Hillary Clinton". It will help put a smile on your face.

Oh, and President Obama! Just because he deserves it and I like saying it.

[gsabc]

One of my organic chemistry profs gave weekly quizzes, where he gave chemical formulae of the starting materials on the left, the reaction arrow, then the end product formulae on the right. We had to come up with the reaction materials. In that long ago pre-Internet and primitive photocopier era, I searched in vain for a small enough version of the hand of God giving life to Adam from the Sistine Chapel. I planned to tape it over the arrow of an equation I didn't know the answer to.

Similar to the universal enzymes - Godase and presto-changoase. S. Harris was infinitely more succinct and understandable to the layman.

[Thousandaire]

It's not what he's done... it's how he's done it. With Obama, it's always a show for the media. I will give him credit if and when credit is due for accomplishing something progressive.

No, you won't. That's my prediction.

[SportsFan68]

It's not what he's done... it's how he's done it. With Obama, it's always a show for the media. I will give him credit if and when credit is due for accomplishing something progressive.

No, you won't. That's my prediction.

I predict that he will.

[silverscreenselect]

It's not what he's done... it's how he's done it. With Obama, it's always a show for the media. I will give him credit if and when credit is due for accomplishing something progressive.

No, you won't. That's my prediction.

I predict that he will.

Today's summary of Obama's first real day in the White House from USA Today:


During his first morning in the Oval Office, Obama called four Middle East leaders to promise early engagement in the peace process. IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW SINCE NONE OF US WERE PRIVY TO THE PHONE CALLS

The first couple went to the Washington National Cathedral to attend the traditional National Prayer Service, which had a theme of tolerance, unity and understanding. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY


At an open house later in the day at the White House 200 visitors got the chance to meet Obama and his wife, who shook hands with guests in the Blue Room. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY

At a swearing-in ceremony for members of his staff, Obama said he would issue ethics guidelines designed to promote responsibility and accountability.

"These steps are aimed at establishing firm rules of the road," Obama said.

They include restrictions on lobbying by aides after they leave the administration and bans on lobbyists' gift giving. LET'S SEE WHAT THEY ACTUALLY SAY FIRST

Obama announced he is freezing the pay of senior White House staff members who make more than $100,000. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY

He encouraged the release of more information under the Freedom of Information Act and pledged to make more of his own records available. LET'S SEE IT FIRST

In his first comments on the Gaza conflict, Obama said the United States will work to stop arms smuggling to Hamas fighters and will help rebuilding efforts for Palestinians in Gaza. LET'S SEE WHAT HE DOES FIRST

[WheresFanny]

No, you won't. That's my prediction.

I predict that he will.

Today's summary of Obama's first real day in the White House from USA Today:


During his first morning in the Oval Office, Obama called four Middle East leaders to promise early engagement in the peace process. IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW SINCE NONE OF US WERE PRIVY TO THE PHONE CALLS

The first couple went to the Washington National Cathedral to attend the traditional National Prayer Service, which had a theme of tolerance, unity and understanding. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY


At an open house later in the day at the White House 200 visitors got the chance to meet Obama and his wife, who shook hands with guests in the Blue Room. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY

At a swearing-in ceremony for members of his staff, Obama said he would issue ethics guidelines designed to promote responsibility and accountability.

"These steps are aimed at establishing firm rules of the road," Obama said.

They include restrictions on lobbying by aides after they leave the administration and bans on lobbyists' gift giving. LET'S SEE WHAT THEY ACTUALLY SAY FIRST

Obama announced he is freezing the pay of senior White House staff members who make more than $100,000. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY

He encouraged the release of more information under the Freedom of Information Act and pledged to make more of his own records available. LET'S SEE IT FIRST

In his first comments on the Gaza conflict, Obama said the United States will work to stop arms smuggling to Hamas fighters and will help rebuilding efforts for Palestinians in Gaza. LET'S SEE WHAT HE DOES FIRST

Nice to see you're keeping an open mind.

Most people do little more on the first day of the job than get their HR packet and fill out their W-4 forms.

[Bob Juch]

I predict that he will.

Today's summary of Obama's first real day in the White House from USA Today:


During his first morning in the Oval Office, Obama called four Middle East leaders to promise early engagement in the peace process. IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW SINCE NONE OF US WERE PRIVY TO THE PHONE CALLS

The first couple went to the Washington National Cathedral to attend the traditional National Prayer Service, which had a theme of tolerance, unity and understanding. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY


At an open house later in the day at the White House 200 visitors got the chance to meet Obama and his wife, who shook hands with guests in the Blue Room. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY

At a swearing-in ceremony for members of his staff, Obama said he would issue ethics guidelines designed to promote responsibility and accountability.

"These steps are aimed at establishing firm rules of the road," Obama said.

They include restrictions on lobbying by aides after they leave the administration and bans on lobbyists' gift giving. LET'S SEE WHAT THEY ACTUALLY SAY FIRST

Obama announced he is freezing the pay of senior White House staff members who make more than $100,000. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY

He encouraged the release of more information under the Freedom of Information Act and pledged to make more of his own records available. LET'S SEE IT FIRST

In his first comments on the Gaza conflict, Obama said the United States will work to stop arms smuggling to Hamas fighters and will help rebuilding efforts for Palestinians in Gaza. LET'S SEE WHAT HE DOES FIRST

Nice to see you're keeping an open mind.

Most people do little more on the first day of the job than get their HR packet and fill out their W-4 forms.

The only way SSS will have an open mind is if someone splits his skull open.

[WheresFanny]

Jeez, Louise, cut the guy a little slack, will ya? He's been in office barely 27 hours! Even his staunchest supporters don't expect him to work the S. Harris transition to get from point A to point B. Let him do stuff and wait more than a second for it to work or not work.

S. Harris transition - from a New Yorker cartoon by S. Harris. Two scientists by a blackboard filled with math formulae on each side. In the middle are the words "Then a miracle occurs".

I hadn't heard of a S. Harris transition, but it immediately made me think of the Underpants Gnomes from South Park:

The funniest part of the ep was how they used it as a catch phrase. My nephew and I still have a thing that whenever we're stumped for an answer we yell out "Phase 1: Collect underpants!"

[TheConfessor]

No, you won't. That's my prediction.

I predict that he will.

Today's summary of Obama's first real day in the White House from USA Today:


During his first morning in the Oval Office, Obama called four Middle East leaders to promise early engagement in the peace process. IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW SINCE NONE OF US WERE PRIVY TO THE PHONE CALLS

The first couple went to the Washington National Cathedral to attend the traditional National Prayer Service, which had a theme of tolerance, unity and understanding. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY


At an open house later in the day at the White House 200 visitors got the chance to meet Obama and his wife, who shook hands with guests in the Blue Room. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY

At a swearing-in ceremony for members of his staff, Obama said he would issue ethics guidelines designed to promote responsibility and accountability.

"These steps are aimed at establishing firm rules of the road," Obama said.

They include restrictions on lobbying by aides after they leave the administration and bans on lobbyists' gift giving. LET'S SEE WHAT THEY ACTUALLY SAY FIRST

Obama announced he is freezing the pay of senior White House staff members who make more than $100,000. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY

He encouraged the release of more information under the Freedom of Information Act and pledged to make more of his own records available. LET'S SEE IT FIRST

In his first comments on the Gaza conflict, Obama said the United States will work to stop arms smuggling to Hamas fighters and will help rebuilding efforts for Palestinians in Gaza. LET'S SEE WHAT HE DOES FIRST

OK, that's one Daily SSS Obama analysis down, 1460 to go. It could be a long four years. BUT IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW. LET'S SEE WHAT SSS DOES TOMORROW.

[a1mamacat]

I predict that he will.

Today's summary of Obama's first real day in the White House from USA Today:


During his first morning in the Oval Office, Obama called four Middle East leaders to promise early engagement in the peace process. IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW SINCE NONE OF US WERE PRIVY TO THE PHONE CALLS

The first couple went to the Washington National Cathedral to attend the traditional National Prayer Service, which had a theme of tolerance, unity and understanding. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY


At an open house later in the day at the White House 200 visitors got the chance to meet Obama and his wife, who shook hands with guests in the Blue Room. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY

At a swearing-in ceremony for members of his staff, Obama said he would issue ethics guidelines designed to promote responsibility and accountability.

"These steps are aimed at establishing firm rules of the road," Obama said.

They include restrictions on lobbying by aides after they leave the administration and bans on lobbyists' gift giving. LET'S SEE WHAT THEY ACTUALLY SAY FIRST

Obama announced he is freezing the pay of senior White House staff members who make more than $100,000. GRANDSTANDING TRIVIALITY

He encouraged the release of more information under the Freedom of Information Act and pledged to make more of his own records available. LET'S SEE IT FIRST

In his first comments on the Gaza conflict, Obama said the United States will work to stop arms smuggling to Hamas fighters and will help rebuilding efforts for Palestinians in Gaza. LET'S SEE WHAT HE DOES FIRST

OK, that's one Daily SSS Obama analysis down, 1460 to go. It could be a long four years. BUT IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW. LET'S SEE WHAT SSS DOES TOMORROW.

OK, that's one Daily SSS Obama analysis down, 1460 to go. It could be a long eight years. BUT IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW. LET'S SEE WHAT SSS DOES TOMORROW

[TheCalvinator24]

OK, that's one Daily SSS Obama analysis down, 1460 to go. It could be a long eight years. BUT IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW. LET'S SEE WHAT SSS DOES TOMORROW

If the economy does not turn around, Obama will be a one term President.

I, for one, am hoping the economy turns around.

[DevilKitty100]

OK, that's one Daily SSS Obama analysis down, 1460 to go. It could be a long eight years. BUT IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW. LET'S SEE WHAT SSS DOES TOMORROW

If the economy does not turn around, Obama will be a one term President.

I, for one, am hoping the economy turns around.

And let's get a quick show of hands of those who do NOT want the economy to turn around.

[Jeemie]

I don't know- he's now issued the order to close Gitmo and the other shadow facilities (within a year, to be sure, so a lot could happen, I guess), so you (your wife) may be wrong on this one, SSS.

[TheCalvinator24]

OK, that's one Daily SSS Obama analysis down, 1460 to go. It could be a long eight years. BUT IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW. LET'S SEE WHAT SSS DOES TOMORROW

If the economy does not turn around, Obama will be a one term President.

I, for one, am hoping the economy turns around.

And let's get a quick show of hands of those who do NOT want the economy to turn around.

I am sure that there are some folks "out there" who would be willing to live through 4 years of touch economic times if it meant that President Obama would be defeated in 2012. Nobody sane, mind you, but I'd be willing to bet such people exist.

[silverscreenselect]

I don't know- he's now issued the order to close Gitmo and the other shadow facilities (within a year, to be sure, so a lot could happen, I guess), so you (your wife) may be wrong on this one, SSS.

I'd want to get a better idea of what's in the orders before saying anything definite (both the media and the Republicans have been known to overstate what Obama has actually done), but it does appear that he's issued an order forbidding waterboarding and other interrogation techniques not allowed in the Army Field Manual. If so, I'll give him credit for that. It seems the Gitmo order is tied in with the other order appointing a study team to make recommendations on what to do about the inmates. Nothing wrong with that, but it does leave a lot of wiggle room.

[SportsFan68]

I am sure that there are some folks "out there" who would be willing to live through 4 years of touch economic times if it meant that President Obama would be defeated in 2012. Nobody sane, mind you, but I'd be willing to bet such people exist.

Cal is correct. There are such folkses.

They seem sane. I don't know them very well.

[TheCalvinator24]

And of course, "touch" should have been "tough"

[ne1410s]

DK:

And let's get a quick show of hands of those who do NOT want the economy to turn around.

Rush was giving the Repubs hell today for talking hope. He said he had four words for Obama:

"I hope you fail."

[christie1111]

DK:

And let's get a quick show of hands of those who do NOT want the economy to turn around.

Rush was giving the Repubs hell today for talking hope. He said he had four words for Obama:

"I hope you fail."

Did he really say that?

That is outrageous!

[tlynn78]

Did he really say that?

That is outrageous!

Did you miss the part about it being Rush who said it? THat guy is certifiable.


t.

[ne1410s]

christie:

Did he really say that?

They (NBC) played the tape from his radio show. That dern First Amendment...