Obama Neglects a Powerful Presidential Tool: Fear

Opponents' ability to criticize with impunity hinders the president's effectiveness

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 13, 2009 3:54 PM CDT

(Newser) – Barack Obama has been praised for bringing a more conciliatory tone to the presidency after the with-us-or-against-us swagger of George W. Bush. But Obama’s preference for gentle negotiation and compromise leaves him less able to use an effective presidential tool: fear, writes Ben Smith for Politico. Obama has failed to make the impression, among conservative Democrats and Republicans alike, that openly criticizing him will have any long-term consequences.

And since Obama seems perpetually open to re-engaging with his most vitriolic critics, they've felt free to cash in on the short-term gains: publicity and leverage in negotiations. Blue Dog Democrats in particular have raised their profile by distancing themselves from the administration’s policies. As crucial moments on health care and climate change legislation loom, Obama would do well to crack the whip and bring members of his own party in line.

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President Barack Obama pauses during a health insurance reform rally, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

President Barack Obama returns to the White House in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, after addressing a health care rally in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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One of the few areas of agreement on the right and left is that both sides want to see more strength of leadership from him. There has to be respect—and fear. - Dan Gerstein, Democratic political consultant

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Obama Neglects a Powerful Presidential Tool: Fear