WWTBAM Bored

Dear President Obama:

As one of your constituents I wanted to write to tell you how much I appreciate your eagerness to connect with the American people and keep us informed during this critical time. However I would like to remind you that the election is over and you won. It's no longer necessary for you to act as if you are still on the campaign trail, making appearances on late-night comedy shows, holding press conferences, visiting states and rallying your supporters. I imagine it is much more fun to do all these things rather than the "nose to the grindstone, shoulder to the wheel" routine. I understand that you are trying to ride the populist wave that seems to be sweeping the country and I can support that, but I really think it's time for less talk and more work. Rather than traveling around the country, why not spend some time behind the desk in the Oval Office? How about meeting with Speaker Pelosi and President Pro Tem Reid and telling them what you want rather than leaving them to their own devices? I think the American people would appreciate you rolling up your sleeves and getting down to the business of solving the economic crisis.

Yours,
A Constituent.

A-freaking-men!

And if that isn't enough, think of all the fuel all these trips are burning up.

I do have to say I give Obama kudos for not supporting the House's abortion of a punitive tax bill against AIG last week, and for FINALLY having Geithner get out there with a plan for the toxic assets (I'll have to study the plan before I decide whether I think it's a good one first). It put an end to a period where the government just seemed to be reacting in a knee-jerk fashion to everything rather than actually thinking about what they were doing.

But if Obama is truly feeling "overwhelmed" by the work, it's time to stop taking on the additional burdens of "campaign mode" and actually sticking in Washington and "doing the work".

Did someone hijack earendel's account?

MarleysGh0st wrote:Did someone hijack earendel's account?

No, I'm just tired of having my TV shows hijacked by Presidential news conferences.

earendel wrote:

MarleysGh0st wrote:Did someone hijack earendel's account?

No, I'm just tired of having my TV shows hijacked by Presidential news conferences.

Whew! At first I thought you were hacked off for some TRIVIAL reason!

Glad to know that's not true!

If he preempts NCIS, he is going to have Gibbs, Abby, and my wife on his sorry ass. It will not be purty...

ne1410s wrote:If he preempts NCIS, he is going to have Gibbs, Abby, and my wife on his sorry ass. It will not be purty...

Yeah. It's bad enough his press conference tonight has bumped American Idol to tomorrow night!! Sheesh!

Jeemie wrote:A-freaking-men!

....

But if Obama is truly feeling "overwhelmed" by the work, it's time to stop taking on the additional burdens of "campaign mode" and actually sticking in Washington and "doing the work".

Many people go and do "fun things" when they are overwhelmed or have no idea of how to solve a particular problem. I know that when I am presented with a problem that I am having a tough time with, I will go play Tetris or something. I also tend to laugh when asked how to solve a problem I have no clue on.

earendel wrote:...about meeting with Speaker Pelosi and President Pro Tem Reid ...

I hate to nitpick, but I also hate the thought of giving Harry Reid titles that he has not yet attained. Reid is the Senate Majority Leader. Everyone's favorite former KKK member Robert Byrd is actually the President pro tempore of the Senate.

Nice letter though...

earendel wrote:

MarleysGh0st wrote:Did someone hijack earendel's account?

No, I'm just tired of having my TV shows hijacked by Presidential news conferences.

Because of Obama's news conference tonight, ABC has postponed the scheduled return of According to Jim.

I said I would give him credit when he does something good, and he is owed the thanks of a grateful nation for this one.

Sir_Galahad wrote:

Jeemie wrote:A-freaking-men!

....

But if Obama is truly feeling "overwhelmed" by the work, it's time to stop taking on the additional burdens of "campaign mode" and actually sticking in Washington and "doing the work".

Many people go and do "fun things" when they are overwhelmed or have no idea of how to solve a particular problem. I know that when I am presented with a problem that I am having a tough time with, I will go play Tetris or something. I also tend to laugh when asked how to solve a problem I have no clue on.

Obama is only good at one thing... campaigning. It's the only thing of note he's done his entire adult life. Unfortunately, what is needed by this country now is a Commander-in-Chief, not a Campaigner-in-Chief.

earendel wrote:Dear President Obama:

As one of your constituents I wanted to write to tell you how much I appreciate your eagerness to connect with the American people and keep us informed during this critical time. However I would like to remind you that the election is over and you won. It's no longer necessary for you to act as if you are still on the campaign trail, making appearances on late-night comedy shows, holding press conferences, visiting states and rallying your supporters. I imagine it is much more fun to do all these things rather than the "nose to the grindstone, shoulder to the wheel" routine. I understand that you are trying to ride the populist wave that seems to be sweeping the country and I can support that, but I really think it's time for less talk and more work. Rather than traveling around the country, why not spend some time behind the desk in the Oval Office? How about meeting with Speaker Pelosi and President Pro Tem Reid and telling them what you want rather than leaving them to their own devices? I think the American people would appreciate you rolling up your sleeves and getting down to the business of solving the economic crisis.

Yours,
A Constituent.

Since you posted this here, are you implying that his time wasting habits include reading this Bored? That's truly beyond the pale!

I thought one of the most common complaints about Bush 43 was that he hardly ever had press conferences. It seems odd to complain about his successor for having too many.

TheConfessor wrote:Since you posted this here, are you implying that his time wasting habits include reading this Bored? That's truly beyond the pale!

If he does, I hope he uses his influence to bring back the Phone Game!

MarleysGh0st wrote:

TheConfessor wrote:Since you posted this here, are you implying that his time wasting habits include reading this Bored? That's truly beyond the pale!

If he does, I hope he uses his influence to bring back the Phone Game!

Wasn't that one of his campaign promises? Doesn't he want to be all things to all people?

TheConfessor wrote:

earendel wrote:Dear President Obama:

As one of your constituents I wanted to write to tell you how much I appreciate your eagerness to connect with the American people and keep us informed during this critical time. However I would like to remind you that the election is over and you won. It's no longer necessary for you to act as if you are still on the campaign trail, making appearances on late-night comedy shows, holding press conferences, visiting states and rallying your supporters. I imagine it is much more fun to do all these things rather than the "nose to the grindstone, shoulder to the wheel" routine. I understand that you are trying to ride the populist wave that seems to be sweeping the country and I can support that, but I really think it's time for less talk and more work. Rather than traveling around the country, why not spend some time behind the desk in the Oval Office? How about meeting with Speaker Pelosi and President Pro Tem Reid and telling them what you want rather than leaving them to their own devices? I think the American people would appreciate you rolling up your sleeves and getting down to the business of solving the economic crisis.

Yours,
A Constituent.

Since you posted this here, are you implying that his time wasting habits include reading this Bored? That's truly beyond the pale!

I thought one of the most common complaints about Bush 43 was that he hardly ever had press conferences. It seems odd to complain about his successor for having too many.

I started this somewhat as a gag, but it gained more traction than I thought. I was just peeved that NCIS was going to be delayed an hour.

earendel wrote:I started this somewhat as a gag, but it gained more traction than I thought. I was just peeved that NCIS was going to be delayed an hour.

Well, first you have people like me who were shocked that you started a political thread, then those who never pass up a political thread added their comments, then we start taking the thread on some tangents and throw in a gratuitous non-sequitur or two...

MarleysGh0st wrote:

earendel wrote:I started this somewhat as a gag, but it gained more traction than I thought. I was just peeved that NCIS was going to be delayed an hour.

Well, first you have people like me who were shocked that you started a political thread, then those who never pass up a political thread added their comments, then we start taking the thread on some tangents and throw in a gratuitous non-sequitur or two...

Kind of like how every other thread on this Bored goes....

silverscreenselect wrote:Kind of like how every other thread on this Bored goes....

Not every one.

Some never get any traction and die, alone and neglected.

MarleysGh0st wrote:

silverscreenselect wrote:Kind of like how every other thread on this Bored goes....

Not every one.

Some never get any traction and die, alone and neglected.

Only the threads that suck.

It's evolution, baby- survival of the most gratuitous!!!

It was some years ago, when I was reading about some president, LBJ maybe, where the writer observed that the President spends a lot of time making decisions, and a lot more time convinciing people to go along with his decisions. In LBJ's case, it was called "arm twisting."

In the case of FDR and, as I recall, Reagan, it was going over the heads of Congress to the American people by either fireside chat or televised speech to explain why he was doing what he was doing and getting the electorate on his side, which makes convincing Congress a whole lot easier. They were the ones who were really good at it, but every president in my lifetime has done it, with varying degrees of success.

I may not be thrilled with the details of the plan, but it's a strategy as old as the hills.

Of course, maybe it helps that I don't watch American Idol.

nitrah55 wrote:It was some years ago, when I was reading about some president, LBJ maybe, where the writer observed that the President spends a lot of time making decisions, and a lot more time convinciing people to go along with his decisions. In LBJ's case, it was called "arm twisting."

In the case of FDR and, as I recall, Reagan, it was going over the heads of Congress to the American people by either fireside chat or televised speech to explain why he was doing what he was doing and getting the electorate on his side, which makes convincing Congress a whole lot easier. They were the ones who were really good at it, but every president in my lifetime has done it, with varying degrees of success.

I may not be thrilled with the details of the plan, but it's a strategy as old as the hills.

Of course, maybe it helps that I don't watch American Idol.

I agree with this. I believe that President Obama will be the most successful of all.

SportsFan68 wrote:

nitrah55 wrote:It was some years ago, when I was reading about some president, LBJ maybe, where the writer observed that the President spends a lot of time making decisions, and a lot more time convinciing people to go along with his decisions. In LBJ's case, it was called "arm twisting."

In the case of FDR and, as I recall, Reagan, it was going over the heads of Congress to the American people by either fireside chat or televised speech to explain why he was doing what he was doing and getting the electorate on his side, which makes convincing Congress a whole lot easier. They were the ones who were really good at it, but every president in my lifetime has done it, with varying degrees of success.

I may not be thrilled with the details of the plan, but it's a strategy as old as the hills.

Of course, maybe it helps that I don't watch American Idol.

I agree with this. I believe that President Obama will be the most successful of all.

Sprots, and this is in no way meant even politically, just gutwise, I think you are going to be sadly mistaken. In the true sense of sad.

To clarify--he's repetitious, rote and flying by the total seat of his pants. He's inept at gathering competent people about him to wrangle horrible situations. He keeps focusing on things that are not capital builders but only campaign rhetoric.

And the most distressing is "I inherited." He's sending a message to anyone that your responsibility is totally hindered by what you "inherit." If he had said it once I'd disregard it. He says it over and over and over. Anyone who has inherited a bad situation deserves a pass for however long because, well, they inherited it. So and so had a bad childhood. Forgive them for their transgressions. AIG inherited a pile of shit, forgive whoever is in charge for their transgressions. Geithner was involved in the bill/bonus denouement. Forgive him his transgressions.

Every politician since day one has "inherited" crap. That goes so far and then one must butch up and go on. And NOT MAKE IT WORSE. Don't spend even more. Don't push already crappy programs. Pay attention. Like that.

Beebs52 wrote:

SportsFan68 wrote:

nitrah55 wrote:It was some years ago, when I was reading about some president, LBJ maybe, where the writer observed that the President spends a lot of time making decisions, and a lot more time convinciing people to go along with his decisions. In LBJ's case, it was called "arm twisting."

In the case of FDR and, as I recall, Reagan, it was going over the heads of Congress to the American people by either fireside chat or televised speech to explain why he was doing what he was doing and getting the electorate on his side, which makes convincing Congress a whole lot easier. They were the ones who were really good at it, but every president in my lifetime has done it, with varying degrees of success.

I may not be thrilled with the details of the plan, but it's a strategy as old as the hills.

Of course, maybe it helps that I don't watch American Idol.

I agree with this. I believe that President Obama will be the most successful of all.

Sprots, and this is in no way meant even politically, just gutwise, I think you are going to be sadly mistaken. In the true sense of sad.

To clarify--he's repetitious, rote and flying by the total seat of his pants. He's inept at gathering competent people about him to wrangle horrible situations. He keeps focusing on things that are not capital builders but only campaign rhetoric.

And the most distressing is "I inherited." He's sending a message to anyone that your responsibility is totally hindered by what you "inherit." If he had said it once I'd disregard it. He says it over and over and over. Anyone who has inherited a bad situation deserves a pass for however long because, well, they inherited it. So and so had a bad childhood. Forgive them for their transgressions. AIG inherited a pile of shit, forgive whoever is in charge for their transgressions. Geithner was involved in the bill/bonus denouement. Forgive him his transgressions.

Every politician since day one has "inherited" crap. That goes so far and then one must butch up and go on. And NOT MAKE IT WORSE. Don't spend even more. Don't push already crappy programs. Pay attention. Like that.

I gotta post more or less, I can see that. I apologize for misleading you, MsKing.

A while back, I said we would see Biden at his best, but all I meant was that in a certain situation he would speak without the miscues and gaffes that sometimes characterize his speeches.

All I meant by this was that President Obama would be the most successful at this:

In the case of FDR and, as I recall, Reagan, it was going over the heads of Congress to the American people by either fireside chat or televised speech to explain why he was doing what he was doing and getting the electorate on his side, which makes convincing Congress a whole lot easier. They were the ones who were really good at it, but every president in my lifetime has done it, with varying degrees of success.

One of my bridge friends more or less said that tonight. He said that President Obama must stay calm and unflappable and act the same as he did when he was campaigning -- "Yes we can" -- or we'll be in a depression so fast it'll make your head spin.

Beebs52 wrote:

SportsFan68 wrote:

nitrah55 wrote:It was some years ago, when I was reading about some president, LBJ maybe, where the writer observed that the President spends a lot of time making decisions, and a lot more time convinciing people to go along with his decisions. In LBJ's case, it was called "arm twisting."

In the case of FDR and, as I recall, Reagan, it was going over the heads of Congress to the American people by either fireside chat or televised speech to explain why he was doing what he was doing and getting the electorate on his side, which makes convincing Congress a whole lot easier. They were the ones who were really good at it, but every president in my lifetime has done it, with varying degrees of success.

I may not be thrilled with the details of the plan, but it's a strategy as old as the hills.

Of course, maybe it helps that I don't watch American Idol.

I agree with this. I believe that President Obama will be the most successful of all.

Sprots, and this is in no way meant even politically, just gutwise, I think you are going to be sadly mistaken. In the true sense of sad.

To clarify--he's repetitious, rote and flying by the total seat of his pants. He's inept at gathering competent people about him to wrangle horrible situations. He keeps focusing on things that are not capital builders but only campaign rhetoric.

And the most distressing is "I inherited." He's sending a message to anyone that your responsibility is totally hindered by what you "inherit." If he had said it once I'd disregard it. He says it over and over and over. Anyone who has inherited a bad situation deserves a pass for however long because, well, they inherited it. So and so had a bad childhood. Forgive them for their transgressions. AIG inherited a pile of shit, forgive whoever is in charge for their transgressions. Geithner was involved in the bill/bonus denouement. Forgive him his transgressions.

Every politician since day one has "inherited" crap. That goes so far and then one must butch up and go on. And NOT MAKE IT WORSE. Don't spend even more. Don't push already crappy programs. Pay attention. Like that.

Not too long ago, he wanted to inherit it, so he could fix it.

Beebs52 wrote: And the most distressing is "I inherited." He's sending a message to anyone that your responsibility is totally hindered by what you "inherit." If he had said it once I'd disregard it. He says it over and over and over. Anyone who has inherited a bad situation deserves a pass for however long because, well, they inherited it. So and so had a bad childhood. Forgive them for their transgressions. AIG inherited a pile of shit, forgive whoever is in charge for their transgressions. Geithner was involved in the bill/bonus denouement. Forgive him his transgressions.

His entire campaign was premised on the fact that Bush had made a mess of things and that his "new politics" would be able to take care of them. It wouldn't be politics as usual any more. Look back to September and McCain was leading in the polls until the Lehman fiasco put him down for the count. If Obama hadn't "inherited" a mess, then it very likely would have been McCain who inherited the presidency.

FDR inherited a lot worse mess than Obama did and he didn't spend his time talking about what he inherited. Instead, he took decisive action that, at a very minimum, eased the banking crisis (over half the banks in this country had closed when he took office) and gave people reason to be positive about the future.

Instead, Obama appears on talk shows and gives speeches because that's all he knows how to do. He vacillates between predicting the worst and saying we've turned the corner, always emphasizing his lack of blame for any of this.

We replaced one lightweight in the White House with another.