And so, without the modest economic revival Mr. Obama and his aides expected, voters saw trillions of dollars being spent and wondered whether there was a coherent strategy for growth. Mr. Obama, whose skills as an explainer were so instrumental in winning the office, did little sustained explaining of the crisis outside Washington.In other words, while many believe President Obama speaks down to them, or is condescending (code for speaking like an intelligent guy after eight years of being tricked into believing we need an average guy), the truth is he can't actually come right out and tell people they're stupid. Clearly he believes this. I mean, what educated person doesn't think that a majority of Americans are pretty dumb overall? Have you driven across the country?
For Obama to explain his plan thoroughly, he'd have to be honest. As Americans we don't expect honesty, and even less so, we sure as hell don't want it (at least the majority, again).
"People, listen, here is my plan. I plan on pushing through MAJOR pieces of legislation. And I when I say MAJOR, I mean the kind of things which will make conservatives stop referencing the New Deal and Medicaid. I'm talking about some epic shit here, people. But what I need to happen is for the economy to get back on track. Not in any real sense, by the way, but in a reported-by-the-media-kinda-way. Like if the unemployment rate could just come down maybe a full point, possible a half point in consecutive quarters, that would be fantastic. This way you'd all think we were doing much better, give me some credit, and allow me to spend some political capital pushing things through you may, or may not want. The bottom line is: I basically assumed this was going to happen. So right from the get go of my presidency I held true to my campaign promises and attempted to ram shit down your throats. And not just little things here and there. Big things, really big things! The kind of things that could make a hooker gag. But I got screwed. I really thought the stimulus plan would work in a way that has boosted unemployment. It didn't. So there I was pushing huge projects through at a time which was difficult for you, when all you wanted to hear about was jobs and "your money", even though it's not really your money, but that's a whole different argument. I figured, if I could get these things done up front, like I said I would, at the very least I'd fulfill what I believe is my own calling to do right by the nation, regardless of what you think of me in the long run. Then towards the end of my first term, when the economy did really turn in my favor, I'd have all these accomplishments, AND a growing economy, which I still might get. So with all of this said, here was the plan. While it's not going great right now, it could still work in my favor. As for jobs, and that economic shit, most of you who are feeling the pressure of a changing economy, well, you're kinda fucked regardless. So try not to let that be the reason you hate me because it's really not my fault."
Still a good read.
