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Obama Love Affair Over for Liberal Pundits

One-time cheerleaders' support is 'wobbly'

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 31, 2009 12:50 PM CDT

(Newser) – During the campaign, lefty pundits offered Barack Obama some of “the most favorable coverage that any White House contender has drawn in a generation.” Now, those same commentators’ support for the president is looking “wobbly,” writes Howard Kurtz in the Washington Post. “I find myself saying, 'Where's that well-oiled Obama machine we saw last year?'” says Chicago Tribune columnist Clarence Page. “Maybe he's being a little too cool at this point.”

“Mr. Obama was never going to get everything his supporters wanted. But there's a point at which realism shades over into weakness,” noted Paul Krugman in the New York Times. “Is Obama Punking Us?” asked his colleague Frank Rich. Ultimately, “In today's hyperpartisan atmosphere, liberal pundits are likely to remain in Obama's corner,” Kurtz notes. “But for those who once felt a thrill up their leg, the sensation may be wearing off.”

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman speaks during a press conference at the World Capital Markets Symposium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin)

President Barack Obama talks about the Afghan elections, Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, outside the White House. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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If Obama is losing Paul Krugman, can the rest of the left be far behind? - Howard Kurtz

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 32 comments

Forderon

Sep 1, 2009 12:07 PM CDT

Crap, you're right truthBtold. Whatever, you know what I mean.

freethemall

Sep 1, 2009 1:55 AM CDT

The obstructionists in congress should be held responsible if health care reform isn't achieved. We, the people, are the only ones who can hold them responsible, by not succumbing to the scared tactics employed by the opponents of reform.

cornelison

Aug 31, 2009 10:30 AM CDT

No need to be embarrassed. Let's hope leading Democrats have "read the riot act" to the President.If he can't deliver affordable health care to everyone, he shouldn't run for a 2nd term.

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media • Frank Rich • pundits • Paul Krugman • liberal media • President Obama • Howard Kurtz

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Obama Love Affair Over for Liberal Pundits