In First 100 Days, Obama Takes Criticism From All Sides

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Buy Ambien of AL 8:50AM April 05, 2010

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KGWeogkgnpAlev of 11:45AM August 09, 2009

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ZmRwDxpQmtYYu of 8:30AM August 09, 2009

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soundtracks of AL 6:00AM July 17, 2009

First, I think the most balanced and sensible post so far has come from Kathy Rubino. I read optimism and intelligence in her comments. Which says to me that the two are not mutually exclusive. One can be hopeful and discerning at the same time! And yes, there is a deluge of problems to fix; many of them created by the previous administration. But I suppose that some of these have been on-going challenges for many presidencies past. In essence, it does us very little good to look back in anger. So, we start from today.

But in having an open debate we need something very crucial...facts. But I am hearing mostly fear and vagueness.

My brothers and sisters and I grew up poor southerners who relied on the monthly check for most of our sustenance. Though we were often short by the end of the month, I think the government did right by us overall. Yet, when Carter defeated Ford, I remember my siblings and I being disappointed and tearful that a Democrat was in office. We had no idea exactly why, we just thought that we were Republicans and that now things were going to go to hell in a hand basket. I suppose that point could still be debated but I am not versed enough on why Carter's term in office was not considered a rousing success(though I'm sure someone will be more thant happy to enlighten me). The point is that we feared and judged simply on the basis that we were Republicans and that nothing good could come from this man. Well, the monthly checks never stopped coming and our lives were not really better or worse for the four years that Carter was in office.

Now my brothers are both staunch Republicans and they foresee doom and gloom in our future. Yet, when I press them for examples of how they believe Obama is making poor decisions I am met with silence. Still, they just know we are going down the wrong path. It just doesn't add up. At least not for thinking adults. Even armchair quarterbacks will give you specifics, "their secondary is too strong, throw short passes; number 57 is still getting through on the right side, they need to double up," etc. But all I am hearing is how wrong and poor our president's decisions and actions are with no specifics or alternate remedies. And the language used is decidedly negative and biased. My brother used the word "meddling" the other day and for some reason I find that most disturbing.

But I guess what really gets me is when they paint Obama supporters as these ultra-liberal, blind-faith yahoos who worship the ground he walks on. I am supportive and hopeful but I hold him accountable and am willing to listen to substantive critism.

So people, when you come to the table to voice your opinion and you REALLY want others to understand, bring some facts! Help me see your point of view. And I'll bring my facts and I hope you will want to see my point of view too. Then, maybe we can see where exactly we differ and, perhaps more importantly, how we are the same.

Tim Cody of MI 10:30AM May 06, 2009

No President in recent history has faced and provided solutions for such a flood of critical decisions that directly effect the nation and the world, short and long term, in such a short time. The fact that he rose to the challenge by listening to the input of the most competent minds in our nation and world to put their knowledge into action for US policy is a huge step toward the success of our political, social, economical, educational, and environmental global impact. Health care and social security is next, so hold on for the next 100 days. All this amid an environment of distrust from within our nation and across the globe while humble in admission of not having perfect knowledge, but with a new commitment to strive for it always. I'm proud to be an American again.

Kathy Rubino (A flag waiving, national anthem crying, ex-Republican from four generations of Republicans.)

Mary Kathryn Rubino of CA 11:16PM April 29, 2009

As far as some of these comments on this site go I have one thing to say:

Yesterday when his teleprompter when on the fritz and he had to talk to it and let it know it was repeating the speech, it was pretty funny. Even Clinton could improvise and know what he was talking about. Talk about dependency. The big question- who is the person behind the scenes being the president if he's doing the acting? Gotta laugh!

Tom of NJ 9:29PM April 28, 2009

To Amy of NH: Last time I checked I was more "middle of the road" than Liberal, and my best guess is that my anger level is WAY lower than yours. I am pretty mellow by comparison, actually. As to the president's teleprompter; I think he would survive without it just fine. It does add a little more poise and polish to his speeches. Sorry you find that so offensive.

Keep up the good instructive rants. Maybe you will bring him down him yet.

Phoenician Lady of AZ 5:29PM April 28, 2009

Even when these libs are getting their way they're still angry people.

So-for lady of az yes, he can take any critizism as long as he has a 'WORKING' teleprompter with him. And as for him handling this job, any college student with a backround in economics could do a much better job. Some day when all this tactics crumble around you, you will see.

Amy of NH 4:49PM April 28, 2009

People with extreme views will always see the glass as half empty, unless their extreme views are being sanctified. Thank goodness there are those of us in the moderate mainstream who can see Obama's strengths and weaknesses, appreciate his gifts, give input where needed, and be glad to feel our country turning a corner away from a very dark and dangerous road.

I get so tired of the "holier than thou" right wing consortium, claiming that anyone who supports the president wants a handout or a free ride. I have raised a family of six children and never wanted anything for free in my life. I work two jobs. I pay my own way. My husbamd is still working at 70. That doesn't mean I do not care about my fellow citizens who might need help, whether with health care, better schools, or just a fair chance to gain a toehold in life. Listening to the nasty attacks posted by scared conservatives, I am learning to despise the Republican Party, a party I have often voted for in the past.

I think the president can take any criticism thrown his way, as long as he has the good will of the sane, the reasonable and the good hearted people of America. I know he wants to do right by us. God knows why anyone would want the job, but I am glad he does.

Phoenician Lady of AZ 4:38PM April 28, 2009

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Bonnie Erbe

Bonnie Erbe

Bonnie Erbe is a contributing editor at U.S. News & World Report and hosts PBS's weekly news analysis program, To the Contrary with Bonnie Erbe. She also writes a weekly syndicated newspaper column for Scripps Howard News Service.

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