I actually believe that Obama has very little intellectual curiosity beyond his own immiediate and ongoing autobiography. He is not nearly so bright as was portrayed over and over again by the media. In fact, I am convinced that this portrayal by the media is yet another example of its inherent racist bias. It was a reaction to a man of color with the ability to give a speech, devoid of the race-baiting anger that has been so common in the black leadership voices of the last 30 years, that created white members of the media to fall over themselves in praise of this "brilliant" politician. A true accounting of Obama's actual message though shows platitudes and broad generalizations, devoid of substance, and the very possible fact of a mind and/or personality incapable of forming such substance.
That being said, Obama has shown a decided change in message of late - a far more pro-business, tax cut, economically sound message. Clearly someone reached the President and convinced him such a change was in order - and Obama, ever watchful of his created self-image, appeared quite responsive.
It's becoming apparent that this adminstration has no clue as to what is going on, & or how to fix it. AIG & these new bonuse's are on Geithners watch--this after all the complaining over Wall Street's bonuses! Geithner still is completely understaffed by 17 people. I imagine it's because there are not 17 people in this country that can figure out this mess either.
But, as far as your point. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Nancy Pelosi has written all these spending bills. In fact, I doubt that Barack Obama has had time or the care to actually read the first 787 billion dollar stimulus bill. He kept stating that there were no earmarks in it--later we find out that 1/3 of this bill is not for economic stimulus but in fact all earmarks. Then Obama rails about ear-marks & 20 minutes later signs the Ominus bill that is loaded with more than 9000 earmarks--from both republicans & democrat "gimme those taxpayer dollars for my pet projects." Obama had no problem with signing that bill. He could have easily vetoed the bill--but instead chose to hide behind the claim that it was last years bill--even though the money is to be spent this year.
It this wasn't so serious--it would be laughable. Dick Morris--Bill Clinton's old campaign manager referred to Barack Obama as a socialist tonight--& then added that he kindly cannot even call him a good socialist, ha.ha. He's not even good at that.
I think we have elected a good speech giver.
I don't give him a lot of credit for "know-how" or hands on management of a crisis. He is a person who can convince people who do not pay much attention to the politics--or have no clue as to how the economy works-- to follow him. Kind of like sheep to the slaughter.
