Obama Has Mentioned 'American Exceptionalism' More Than Bush

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@aamom. obama puts himself out there as living proof of american exceptionalism. that america can overcome its savage past and elect a guy with "a funny-sounding name," as obama frames it, is a testament to our nation's exceptionalism. so the story goes, according to barack, and it's a smart move on his part, although he knows it's total bs because american exceptionalism is bs. still, got him elected.

sasha of CA 7:55PM August 29, 2011

I think people seem to be misunderstanding Obama's quote, and the point of this article...Obama believes we are an exceptional country, and recognizes our accomplishments. He makes the "Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism etc." point because of the increasingly negative connotation toward American exceptionalism (i.e.: that we use it as an excuse to do awful things because we're insecure, political psychology, etc.). Obviously Obama supports our nation, Matthew, I just don't think you understand what he, or Schlesinger, are trying to say.
I wouldn't chime in, but I'm currently writing a pretty huge paper on this, and I came across this while researching.

Alix of MN 4:43PM July 14, 2011

Thanks!!

Great! of AL 7:57AM April 04, 2011

What a dumb op-ed.
Obama has mentioned American exceptionalism several times but only to indicate he doesn't believe in it. America is just another country to him.
Mr. Schlesinger must think his readers are stupid.

Matthew Vadum of DC 4:14AM March 21, 2011

This was an interesting article, but how much lower can sections of the country sink into inane trivia? It seems that Obama is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. Bush never said exceptional, but that is ok because everyone knew he meant to say it. Obama is accused of not saying it, although he did. However he apparently didn't mean it when he did. Please!! Blind hatred of Obama has reached such a fever pitch that his detractors no longer seem to care what drivel comes out of their mouths.

Michael Santana 6:18AM February 02, 2011

"I am not a crook"
President Nixon
Another FIRST for a President...

Bill Hedges of MO 10:12PM January 31, 2011

Looks like Schlesinger finally found something that he can legitimately claim Obama does better than Bush.
outside of that, who the hell cares?

junior of DC 4:57PM January 31, 2011

Obama is mentioning it only because he now realizes the politial necessity to change his image. Bush never had to mantion it because most Americans grow up believing in it. Obama is politically expedient. But it is clear in his actions, he does not change his agenda. He is deceptive when it serves him.

Dave of AL 12:36PM January 31, 2011

Obama's use of "exceptional" is qualified and subjective. He uses it contextually for political, and generally "progressive", Green" purposes.
I would observe that not so long ago America was, in fact and deed, objectively exceptional. Sadly, those days have passed, and Obama's statements ring hollow and self serving.
I wish to God I could see a way back to our greatness - but the shadows and shackles of Progressive, Green, Socialism are paralyzing, pervasive and overwhelming.

R.L. Schaefer of CA 12:36PM January 31, 2011

They keep coming up with "talking points" that attempt to point out personal flaws in the President or the Left. They often forget that the facts do not support their claims.
This country is exceptional. Always will be because of how we were founded, ec. But that does not mean we always get things right. Love of country=fine. Love everything it does=unintelligent.
Trying to imply that the Left is unAmerican is a cheap ruse to cause fear again. The seed they wish to plant is that if the Left is evil, then voters must support the Right - no matter how much the Right is against the voters' best interests.
The ground for that seed is no longer fertile. Amazing how only a few months after the big turnaround election the public is figuring out that the Right does not have any solutions - They only know how to say no, and criticize. Until they admit the budget problem is a combination of $500billion of defense overspending and continued Bush tax cuts (the budget was balanced before GW Bush killed it), their lame attempts to pare off a few million will not convince most of us. Until they show they have the moral courage to lead with honesty instead of fear, The GOP/TP will be far from exceptional.

DeeToo of SC 11:00AM January 31, 2011