Friday, December 10, 2010

Our President is a trailblazer in so many ways

First African American President

First President born of a Non Christian parent

First President to grow up exclusively off of the US Mainland

And now First President to be cursed and mocked by his own party's Congressional caucus in a way that becomes public.  Barack Obama is such an innovator.

Jim Geraghty of NRO has the story:

1. This Language, Directed Toward the President, Is a Big Bleeping Deal

I'll have more on this on the Campaign Spot, but I read this news and concluded that the bile that drove so many passions among the Democrats' grassroots has finally turned inward: "The frustration with President Barack Obama over his tax cut compromise was palpable and even profane at Thursday's House Democratic Caucus meeting. One unidentified lawmaker went so far as to mutter 'f--- the president' while Rep. Shelley Berkley was defending the package the president negotiated with Republicans. Berkley confirmed the incident, although she declined to name the specific lawmaker. 'It wasn't loud,' the Nevada Democrat said. 'It was just expressing frustration from a very frustrated Member.' Rep. Jerrold Nadler (N.Y.) was also overheard saying that 'we can't trust him' not to cave to Republicans and extend the tax cuts again in two years, according to a Democratic source. The anger aimed at the bill was widespread. As Democrats moved to block the bill from coming up on the floor, chants of 'Just say no!' could be heard by reporters outside the room."

I find myself in the strange position of being offended on behalf of President Obama. As awful as we or Americans of other views may find his decisions, he's the President of the United States. Respect the office, unidentified Democratic lawmaker. Frustration and anger are understandable, but a member of the U.S. Congress has to behave better, and more professionally, when in a meeting. Sure, it was a semi-private meeting, and I'm sure this isn't the first F-bomb to be dropped on Capitol Hill -- I'm sure we all remember the much-discussed exchange between former Vice President Dick Cheney and Sen. Patrick Leahy. But this feels different, like another line has been crossed in standards of public behavior.

Erick Erickson of Red State spots the likely irony: "I bet the Dem who said 'F--- the President' today supported censure of Joe Wilson for saying 'you lie.'"

Ace, at Ace of Spades: "That's a big step up from 'You lie!' or a little Joker war-paint. Will the New York Times Editorial Board castigate Democrats for allowing partisan fury to overcome reason, or for creating a dark mood that increases the chance of political violence? Answer: No. . . . Who Said It? I guess no one is saying right now -- should be less than 12 hours before the presidential curser is outed -- but my guess would be either Anthony Weiner or this smug, nasty dolt who thinks it's his job to be as provocative as Jerry Springer."

The Mangy Redbone Hound writes, "I will patiently await the resignation of the so far un-named congressman. He must be racist. It is fairly odd but oddly entertaining to watch the forty-year Democratic majority fall apart so swiftly and dramatically. Let's see if the Republicans can manage not to screw it up in a spectacular orgy of corruption, sex scandals, spending, and general stupidity (in ascending order of likelihood). I am sufficiently optimistic to bet the under on all four, but I am crossing my fingers and afraid to watch. I am also hedging with popcorn futures, since I have a feeling the Democrats will provide a bit more entertainment in the next few months."

It's just a shame that Obama doesn't have Rahm Emanuel around to handle the response.

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