Obama’s stance on the FISA/Telecom immunity bill has been disturbing to his ardent base. So much so that thousands of his supporters have organized within his own website to convince him to change his position. Surely, many of you feel betrayed by his actions lately. It is as if he just cheated on you with your arch-nemesis—catering to the faith-based-gun-loving-national-security-whores instead of staying loyal to your serene, devoted, and passionate support. It is like you do not know even him anymore. Or do you?
It would be credulous to believe that politicians are somehow entirely above politics, even if they claim to be so in a beautifully crafted stump speech. There are little to no principles in politics. Moving to the center is what nearly every Democratic nominee does to win—especially if he is running a 50-(mostly red) state race. When Obama goes rogue, it is not because he does not know better (he should!). However, what is most disturbing about Obama’s recent gaffe is not the fact that he stomped on your throbbing heart right after you declared your unrequited love for him, but the mere fact that in his attempt to “center” himself, he seems to be missing the larger trend in public opinion—George W. Bush’s floundering approval ratings. Note to Obama: Bush’s FISA/Telecom immunity bill does not help you win over the Bush-loving voters—all 2 of them left. Obama’s move to the center is like entering a gauntlet. Precision is everything when it comes to appealing to a wider (more conservative and hawkish) audience without undermining his own movement. Obama should not move to the center for the sake of appearing centrist. If this is his strategy, then he should do it in the least damaging way possible. The policy and politics behind supporting this bill are not sound, and the sooner Senator Obama realizes this, the sooner he can heal the wounds felt among his moneymakers. Then again, perhaps Obama is ready to close the door on yet another relationship.
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