Speaking of progressives who can't seem to swallow the magic Obama kool-aid, Chris Bowers weighs in on the news that -- with the Texas and Ohio votes yet to be counted -- Obama is already dreaming of appointing Republicans to 'incredibly powerful' positions in his cabinet:
Obama sends out regular signals that he will govern in a very centrist fashion. Running Harry and Louise ads and appointing Bush Dog Jim Cooper as a spokesperson on health care make that obvious enough. His praise of Reagan and bragging that he is more bipartisan than the DLC also make that clear. He has no problem letting you know that he's "not one of those people who cynically believes Bush went in only for the oil," that he isn't a "anti-military, 70s love-in." He scolds unknown progressives for thinking that "every mention of God is automatically threatening a theocracy," and reminded everyone that Social Security faces a crisis. Now, he is sending out signals that will be appoint Chuck Hagel and Richard Lugar to incredibly powerful posts such as Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense.
Here is the thing: what counter-indications had Obama given that he will govern as a progressive? I honestly can't think of any. He clearly must be blowing some sort of progressive activist dog whistle, given the caucus and support he has received, but I haven't heard the call . . [W]hat I don't get are ideological progressives who think that Obama is one, too. . Chuck Hagel as Sec Def is just the latest indication that Obama is more about placating High Broderism, Tim Russert and the Washington Post editorial board than he is about transformative progressive change.
Joseph C. Wilson: Obama's Hollow 'Judgment' and Empty Record
SusanUnPC: Obama Nailed on NAFTA-Gate
Unity Candidate Democratic Party Hillary Clinton Barack Obama News Progressive Politics Texas Rhode Island Ohio Chuck Hagel Richard Lugar
