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by Mark Silva
President Barack Obama, in an interview that aired on the Today show this morning, maintained that the polarization of the political atmosphere today can be repaired -- but it will take some time, perhaps another presidential election, to settle things down.
"Historically, what happens (at the start with) a party out of power... reacting very negatively, their base ends up being very agitated,'' Obama said. "It may take the next election, or the next presidential election, before things settle down.... All of us, Republicans and Democrats, have a responsibility as leaders to set the tone, to not exaggerate what the other side is trying to do, to not suggest that they are bad people.''
Both sides have done their share of dividing, he says.
'There's no doubt that Democrats are known to play the same game, which is to exaggerate the banality of the other side,'' Obama said. "We now have a pattern of polarization... where the political culture gets so wound up. Frankly, Matt, it gets spun up partly because of the way the media covers politics these days, the 24/7 news cycle and the cable chatter and the talk radio and the blogs, all of which tend to feed the most extreme sides of any issue, instead of trying to solve problems..
"I haven't solved it yet..... I do think it's solvable,'' Obama said. "When i go around the country and talk to folks, they dont think in ideological terms... If we can demonstrate as an administation, that regardless of what the everyday news cycle is showing.... it's possible to stick to your convictions...
"Nothing succeeds like success in this town,'' he said.
Asked for his take on the "TEA Party'' movement, the president said: "I think that it is a still loose amalgam of forces. That is a part of the TEA Party movement that actually did exist before I was elected. There were some folks who just weren't sure if i was born in the United States -- that I was a Socialist.
"Then there is a broader circle of people around that core group of people who are legitmately concerned about the deficit, legitimately concerned that the government is taking on too much,'' he said. "I wouldn't paint in broad brush and say that everybody who is involved or has gone to a Tea Party rally or meeting are somehow on the fringe.''
See that interview above, and see the president on faith, family and basketball, "a more personal side of the president," below: "What we've decided for now, is not to join a single church... We are very disruptive to services. When every other member of the congregation has to be 'magged.'''
The chapel at Camp David remains their favorite sanctuary, and the president receives a daily devotional on his BlackBerry from a circle of pastors and friends.
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Comments
I am not a member of the Tea Party nor am I a member of either the Republican or Democratic parties as I consider myself an independent. But I do have concern over the policies that President Obama is espousing. I feel that he is attempting to govern from the far left of the Democratic Party. This is contrary to what Candidate Obama indicated he would do if elected.
I have great concerns over the expansion of government, the sky-rocketing deficit and national debt and the left's belief that their policies are what is best for the country.
Furthermore I would love to see the media inquire of Sarah Palin if she has been subjected to credible threats on her safety and that of her family. I would guess that the answer would be yes and I would guess that the media would not play up her concerns.
Posted by: Pat H | March 30, 2010 10:35 AM
President Obama's generosity, when it comes to T. Baggers, is laudable. In spite of their vacuous charges, all kazillion of them, they still remain, for me, bunches of loosely-connected, disillusioned, disappointed Republicans. Given the horrendous record the Bush&Cheney left behind, they still must defend them, even revising history, in doing so and the electorate knows. They are in a free-fall of denial. They can't quite get their minds around what took place, last November and it is wrecking them, and racking their Party. To compound their distress, they are turning to failed, and discredited, former leaders for guidance and direction. The likes of Getrich, McCain, Bennet, Armey, Paul, the very folks that contributed mightily to their present isolation. Throw the likes of Limbaugh, Beck and O'Really into the mix and you have the perfect storm, for the disintegration of a Party. Right before the nation's eyes !! I really hope they can pull out of that downward spiral, they are presently caught in, but, I am afraid, that would mean, saying good by to darling Sarah. America needs a viable Republican Party, with all of its traditional values, intact. I don't think they are capable of doing that just yet. They must fall below the 20% disapproval mark and I think they are heading there, post haste ! Right now, I think the figures are at 23-24% disapproval rating and Senator McCain just had " Failin " Palin, to come to his rescue and help him to get re-elected. Now, if that isn't the tail wagging the dog, I don't know what is !!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | March 30, 2010 10:38 AM
Can anyone who supports the conservative point of view post links to any Republican making that same kind of statements that President Obama says above? Statements where they take RESPONSIBILITY for the inflammatory rhetoric that Republicans, conservatives, Neocons and religious leaders have spouted against Obama and democratic politicians?
Posted by: BC | March 30, 2010 10:40 AM
After publicizing bogus "threats" against Democrats, the Swamp skips covering the arrest of a man targeting GOP Congressman Eric Cantor. For the Leftwing media, it’s all about the leftwing narrative--and firing up the Leftwing base.
Plus, if the Swamp covered an actual threat against a Republican, they might have slipped up and mentioned that the threatener was a two-time Obama donor.
Posted by: Exposing Leftwing Hate | March 30, 2010 11:24 AM
Obama is POTUS Palin is a guvnor that left a call of duty to anchor and make monies based on a bumped, newfound celebrity.....nuff said
Posted by: jamalq | March 30, 2010 1:24 PM
The (Republicans) Teabaggers are the modern day KKK without the white sheets.
They're a bunch of drooling right wing haters, racists and bigots who can't deal with the fact that America elected a black man president.
*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pilG7PCV448
*
Posted by: HHH | March 30, 2010 1:28 PM
All of us, Republicans and Democrats, have a responsibility as leaders to set the tone, to not exaggerate what the other side is trying to do, to not suggest that they are bad people.''
Both sides have done their share of dividing, he says.
Yes, he is correct. Like statements he has made: "typical white person, the police acted stupidly, redistribute the wealth, I am not a socialist, I never heard him say that, I did hear him say those things, we are a few days away from FUNDAMENTALLY changing America, doctors will perform an operation to pad the bill...remove a foot, tonsils etc, we are not a Christian nation, we have one of the largest Muslim populations, they cling to guns or religion...
Posted by: Free to Watch Liberals Meltdown | March 30, 2010 1:52 PM
This is a reminder that, when you peel away all the loudmouth right wing rhetoric, preening, posturing, obstruction and teabagger nonsense, the Republican party becomes what it is: a Republican oligarchy ponzi scheme devoted to scaring money out the pockets of their poor, confused and angry Wingnut base.
They say that there's no such thing as bad publicity ... and with that thought in mind, let's look at just a few of yesterday's GOP headlines:
*GOP FEC report: $1900 to bondage club
http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/archives/199927.asp?from=blog_last3
*Bang for Their Buck?: A Critical Précis to the RNC's Night at a Bondage Club
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2010/03/bang-for-their-buck-a-critical-prcis-to-the-rncs-night-at-a-bondage-club.html
*Steele, strip clubs and the GOP's family values
http://voices.kansascity.com/node/8371
*Republicans Go Bondage Clubbing In LA On Party Dime
http://blogs.laweekly.com/ladaily/city-news/republicans-go-clubbing/
*RNC Denies Steele Expensed Trip to X-Rated Club
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/2010/03/rnc_denies_steele_expensed_tri.html
*Down $25 Million, Steele blows RNC funds on private jets and lesbian-bondage ...
http://trueslant.com/christopherthomas/2010/03/29/down-25-million-steele-blows-rnc-funds-on-private-jets-and-lesbian-bondage-sex-clubs/
*Strip club tab roils Republican committee
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/03/29/Strip-club-tab-roils-Republican-committee/UPI-13861269892763/
*RNC spent $2000 on lesbian-themed voyeur nightclub in Hollywood
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/289745
Posted by: HHH | March 30, 2010 2:23 PM
The Party of Victims is strong. I love how we fooled everyone and now we're penalizing successful people for making money. Thankfully those in Congress like to reward those that don't want to work; to even things out. Like VP Biden says, it's making everything more fairer. America: Land of the Fair.
Posted by: Al Sharp | March 30, 2010 2:27 PM
Can anyone who supports the conservative point of view post links to any Republican making that same kind of statements that President Obama says above? Statements where they take RESPONSIBILITY for the inflammatory rhetoric that Republicans, conservatives, Neocons and religious leaders have spouted against Obama and democratic politicians?
You mean like the name calling, hate spewing statements you, Fitz and the rest of the hypocrite liberals make?
Posted by: Hypocrites | March 30, 2010 2:33 PM
Donny boy - you are a teabagger, with fuzzy things drug across your chin.
Next time you espouse teabagging - look in the mirror fuzznuts or maybe use the term Tea Party instead!
While I'm at it - please give us the US Soldier Murder - Death - Kill count today in Afghanistan. You know, Barry's war that you're so proud of!
Posted by: springfield | March 30, 2010 2:40 PM
Well, the "Reagan Democrats" who went Replican have had their financial security, what little they had, shattered. So Teabagging has its attractions. A party waiting for its Ross Perot to come along.
Besides, at the RNC, the lights are on but nobody's home.
As the economy continues to stall, don't expect too many folk to turn to the RNC for salvation.
House and Senate, I'd guess, continue under Dem control, with some new leadership, some fresh faces.
Posted by: ornery | March 30, 2010 2:44 PM
BC, I will not waste my time because over the past few years I have provided dozens of links regarding our little debate over Cuba's location of which you continually ignore. Presenting you facts is like presenting a 7-course dinner to a dead person.
Anyway, BC, where exaclty does Obama take responsibility for the tone in Washington? And, if he does, is it even credible? He talks of bipartisanship and a civil tone, but his actions are contrary. Not ONE Republican proposal was in the so-called health care reform. His little 7-hour summit was meant to be a show of bipartisanship and transparancy, but the fact remains the outcome was still completely partisan.
His rhetoric since the sham of a bill was passed and signed also has been nothing but partisan.
This has been THE MOST partisan presidency in this country's history.
And, has far as his little devotionals, not buying it. This guy is nothing more than a carnival barker.
Posted by: John D | March 30, 2010 3:13 PM
Since their inception the Teaparty crowd (not a movement since they do have the numbers or clout) have been “haters not debaters”. In my opinion this is what the small portions of the republican party of “birthers, baggers and blowhards” have brought you. They are good at “Follow the Leader” of their dullard leaders, they listen to Beck, Hedgecock, Hannity, O’Reilly, Rush and Savage and the rest of the Blowhards. Are you surprise at what they do when you know what they think? The world is complicated and most republicans (Hamiliton, Lincoln, Roosevelt) believe that we should use government a little to increase social mobility, now its about dancing around the claim of government is the problem. The sainted Reagan passed the biggest tax increase in American history and as a result federal employment increased, but facts are lost when mired in mysticism and superstition. Although some republicans are trying to distant themselves from this fringe most of them are just going along and fanning the flames. Lets face it the Republicans had 8 years to deal with health care, immigration and financial oversight and governance and they failed. They could not even win one of the two wars they started, the body bags are still coming in. The Republicans wanted to give Obama his Waterloo defeat over healthcare but instead they gave themselves their own Waterloo defeat by not participating in the debate of ideas and by becoming the party of obstructionist. But they now claim they have changed, come on, what sucker is going to believe that?
Posted by: Montana | March 30, 2010 3:50 PM
I am hopeful Obama will continue on with the recess appointments. These are important public service postions that have been blocked by the bigots and hypocrites that infest the republican party. Remember that Supreme Court appointed boy George Bush made close to 200 recess appointments. Obama has made 15 or so and you can already hear the republicans whining and crying like a bunch of babies who have dirty diapers.
Posted by: Doug R. | March 30, 2010 4:11 PM
Bore-rock Obama, Khmer Rouge Palin, all of us, become bores rather quickly. No one person has all that much to say. However, Pol Pot Palin's voice can turn a hearing-abled person deaf and vice versa. Ouch. That's an ouch-me!
Posted by: 3pieknow | March 30, 2010 4:26 PM
If the Tea Party Conservatives are all racists for a few members ALLEDGELY yelling the N-word at a few black Congressman, would that make all Obama supporters anti-Jewish since a bullet was shot thru the window of Congressman Cantor's office?
As for the loving liberals in this country, I seem to remember many an Iraq war rally with signs saying "Kill Bush" or "Death to Bush"
http://www.zombietime.com/zomblog/?p=621
Posted by: Terry | March 30, 2010 6:10 PM
TEABAGGER (REPUBLICAN) FAKE OUTRAGE IS NOT ABOUT POLITICAL DISSENT - IT'S ABOUT VILE, STORM TROOPER LIKE SOUND BITES.
.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/03/29/2010-03-29_hate_just_drips_from_tea_party.html
As repulsive as they are, these right wing psychos, low lifes and simpletons are a great thing for the Dems.
If the Teabagger clowns keep the crazy dial cranked up to 11 and the Repugs don't disown them they'll turn off a whole lot of Independents and even some moderate Repugs this coming November. The thing people have to remember is that the Teabagger goons are just a tiny minority but they are given a disproportionate amount of press coverage by Faux News and AM Hate Radio etc.
.
http://crooksandliars.com/james-rucker/demand-gop-stop-inciting-and-supporti
.
Posted by: HHH | March 30, 2010 6:48 PM
---------------------------------
After publicizing bogus "threats" against Democrats, the Swamp skips covering the arrest of a man targeting GOP Congressman Eric Cantor. For the Leftwing media, it’s all about the leftwing narrative--and firing up the Leftwing base.Plus, if the Swamp covered an actual threat against a Republican, they might have slipped up and mentioned that the threatener was a two-time Obama donor.
Posted by: Exposing Leftwing Hate | March 30, 2010 11:24 AM
-----------------------------------------
Bobby's Mommy sock puppet,
"Publicizing bogus threats"?
Maybe more people would take the fact that Canter was threaten by some nut more seriously if Canter hadn't already flat out LIED with his bogus "a Dem shot a bullet through my window" claim last week.
*
http://grantlawrence.blogspot.com/2010/03/wisco-revisits-eric-cantors-magic.html
*
Posted by: HHH | March 30, 2010 10:00 PM
More hate from HHH:
-----------------------------------------
The (Republicans) Teabaggers are the modern day KKK without the white sheets.
They're a bunch of drooling right wing haters, racists and bigots who can't deal with the fact that America elected a black man president
-------------------------------------------
HHH are you going to deal with it when Amercia rejects a black president?
America does not care about who plays the race card the best. They care about out of control spending and increased taxes.
Count the votes come November & keep counting to 2012. The majority will have have their say then you can crawl back to the rock you were under before 2008.
PS, HHH (the wrestler) is washed up just like your President
Posted by: wingnut master | March 30, 2010 10:48 PM
-----------------------------
would that make all Obama supporters anti-Jewish since a bullet was shot thru the window of Congressman Cantor's office?
Posted by: Terry | March 30, 2010 6:10 PM
----------------------------
No Poser Terry, that would make you one of the only people in America who was dumb enough to fall for Cantor's lie.
.
http://www.jedreport.com/2010/03/richmond-police-on-cantor-shoo.html
.
http://www.examiner.com/x-4383-Portland-Progressive-Examiner~y2010m3d26-Busted-Eric-Cantors-deceit-deception-and-hypocrisy
.
Posted by: HHH | March 30, 2010 11:39 PM
If you are feelings frustrated by the current actions of the Tea Party Movement (or Tea Bag Party), please take some time to consider the People’s Party.
America is a land of dreams, the land of equality and acceptance. In order to further our goals of striving towards a national community united by trust, we must begin to understand one another. We must reach out across all barriers, social, political and economic to create a united community. We must come together, not fracture apart.
The attitude of the Tea Party Movement is not one of inclusion, rather, one that aims to alienate anyone who does not fit the description of what they consider to be a ‘true’ American. This summer there will be other 'movements' building campaigns based on fear and misinformation.
The People’s Party is a movement of equality, acceptance, understanding and growth. Together we can combat these feelings of exclusion, but we need your help.
As said in the mission statement of The People’s Party, we believe the real American movement will be based on core values of inclusion and mutual respect and understanding - regardless of race, gender or sexual preference. Collectively we are strong and have real power.
To combat the exclusion of the Tea Party Movement, the People’s Party will be posting flyers at the stops of the Tea Party Express’ tour of the country. Your contribution can help our efforts to spread the word about acceptance, and show the Tea Party Movement that in order to move forward, we must come together.
Please, donate & join the People's Party. Help spread the word.
http://thepeoplesparty.chipin.com/the-peoples-party
http://www.creativerescue.org/2010/03/16/building-the-party-of-inclusion/
Posted by: Cal | March 31, 2010 12:35 AM
If you are feelings frustrated by the current actions of the Tea Party Movement (or Tea Bag Party), please take some time to consider the People’s Party.
--------------------------------
It's funny how much attention the tea party gets.
If people have time to join a party good for them. There are better causes out there to spend your time doing. I don't need a tea party or a people's party to realize I don't like the spending spree this adminstration is on. If people want to do something, then vote and hope there is no more voter fraud from organizations (party's) like ACORN or whatever they plan to call themselves now.
Posted by: wingnut master | March 31, 2010 8:53 AM
Really John D, there wasn't a single republican idea in the bill? I don't think even you believe that. For starters, the provision allowing children to stay on their parents plan until age 26 was a Republican idea. It came from HR 3970, from Mark Kirk.
Besides, the whole plan has been compared to Republican ideas. It's amazingly similar to the Massachusetts plan that Mitt Romney has championed. It's very similar to the Republicans 1993 alternative plan to "Hillarycare." It also mirrors a plan that was proposed by the Heritage Foundation in the early nineties.
Posted by: martin | March 31, 2010 10:01 AM
Posted by: John D | March 30, 2010 3:13 PM
*
*
Still keeping your lie alive, eh? YOU are the one who said that Cuba is IN the Gulf of Mexico; I am the one who posted proof otherwise.
*
I, and many other posters in The Swamp, have posted links to stories with facts that back up our opinions and points of view. You, as usual, refuse to accept them because they would force you to re-examine your position on topics. Your typical response is to attack the source by claiming that they're from left-wing, biased, liberal MSM media.
*
Everyone here including Mark Silva know that you are a lost cause, someone who is not worth the time and effort to educate with facts so that you can join us in the real world.
Posted by: BC | March 31, 2010 1:16 PM
---------------------------------------
I don't need a tea party or a people's party to realize I don't like the spending spree this adminstration is on. If people want to do something,
Posted by: wingnut master | March 31, 2010 8:53 AM
--------------------------------------
Wingnut Clown,
......and yet you grabbed your pom poms and led the cheers while your BushCo Republican heroes were busy starting a Trillion dollar war (Iraq) for no reason, giving tax cuts to Billionaires (twice) and doubling the national debt in only eight years (a record).
And that's exactly why you Wingnut losers don't have any credibilty right now when you whine with fake outrage about Pres Obama.
Posted by: HHH | March 31, 2010 2:54 PM
"BC" man, after your last post, welcome to the world of "AD"(Always democratic.). It took you long enough to realize one of the many puppets of the Republican-Libertarian-T.Baggers bloggers. I am glad you have come to the only sane conclusion concerning, these puppets. With puppet-masters like Rushie, O'Really and Becky, it's no wonder their numbers are in the toilet, with the Bush&Cheney.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE AND WHOLE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, IL | March 31, 2010 6:21 PM
Trickled On HoHoHo:
http://www.cavalierdaily.com/2010/03/31/rep-cantor-faces-online-death-threats/
As for the nine militia members, reminds one of a young Bill Ayers or Congressman Bobby Rush.
Tea Party being the modern day KKK. Would Democratic Senator Byrd be part of the historical KKK?
Posted by: Terry | March 31, 2010 8:20 PM
------------------------------------
As for the nine militia members, reminds one of a young Bill Ayers or Congressman Bobby Rush.
Posted by: Terry | March 31, 2010 8:20 PM
-----------------------------------
Poser Terri,
Is that the best you Wingnut flat earthers have as an excuse for your beloved right wing Teabagger domestic terrorists? Just some garbage about what a few left wingers did in the 60's?!?!
HAHAHA!!!
Posted by: HHH | March 31, 2010 9:37 PM
Pogressives (aka liberals) demean or minimalize anything they consider in the iway of their kind of "progess." Anything that scares the feces out of them, they call "racist" - like Tea Party types. Oh yes, they are scared feceless!
Posted by: Oak Park Left | March 31, 2010 11:30 PM
Mustapha,
Dude, you know nothing about nothing. Give it a rest.
Posted by: Django - N Exile In/Around the 30th Parallel | April 1, 2010 3:18 AM
Trickled On HoHoHo,
Difference is, we don't go on and make them Congressman.
Posted by: Terry | April 1, 2010 6:48 AM
____________________________
America does not care about who plays the race card the best. They care about out of control spending and increased taxes.
____________________________
Why was there no tea-party movement under Bush?
Without Obama's spending, the US would be a third world country. Bye, bye Dow Jones, bye bye employment, bye bye food-stamps.
Posted by: CI | April 10, 2010 12:12 PM