Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

How Obama Screwed Up

Lack of bipartisanship undercuts campaign promises

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 27, 2009 3:39 AM CST

(Newser) – It's polarized, lobbyist-laden business as usual in Washington, and President Obama is largely to blame despite his campaign pledges to change the way business is done in the capital, writes Fred Barnes. Obama mistook his personal election victory for a victory for liberalism and failed to try hard enough for bipartisan compromise when he had the chance, Barnes writes in the Wall Street Journal.

Obama has failed to move congressional Democrats onto the center ground and has been pushing through one liberal initiative after another despite polls showing this is is still a center-right country, Barnes writes. The president has grown government, which has caused an increase in lobbyists, despite his promise to reduce their role. "Nothing has changed, except maybe that Washington is now more acrimonious than it has been," Barnes concludes.

Barack Obama  walks down the steps in front of the US Capitol, July 9 2008.
Barack Obama walks down the steps in front of the US Capitol, July 9 2008.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Mr. Obama could have given a little and gained a lot. To change Washington, he would have had to corral congressional Democrats, who weren't interested in bipartisanship or compromise.
- Fred Barnes

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
0%
0%
33%
33%
33%
0%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 43 comments
Face-Of-RNC
Dec 1, 2009 9:20 AM CST
Because you want evryone to know you have a single IQ point.
Face-Of-RNC
Nov 30, 2009 1:50 AM CST
The right-wing loud mouths only sound like half the country. They are not even half the voters, as evidenced by the last 2 congressional elections and the last national election.
Face-Of-RNC
Nov 30, 2009 1:48 AM CST
Arrest and impeach morons. You may identify them by their signatures on the anti-American nazi loyalty oath.

More Newser Stories

US Drones Return to Hit Rescuers, Funerals

Geithner: Obama Won't Ask Me to Stay

Obama Losing Super PAC War

Did White House Hide Lavish Costume Bash?

Under Obama, a Force of Killer Drones Evolved


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne