What's behind Obama's big shift [Bartlett says McCain would have done "exactly the same thing"]

The Christian Science Monitor ^ | 2009-04-26

[rabscuttle385]

He is overseeing the boldest expansion of government in a generation. Is it a 'new pragmatism' right for the times or dangerous overreach by a young president?

BY LINDA FELDMANN

WASHINGTON - On the basketball court, Barack Obama likes the old "up and under" move. When he has the ball, he'll fake one way, wait for the guy who's covering him to jump, then duck under him.

That observation from Denver sportscaster Vic Lombardi – who lucked into a game of pickup hoops last year with the future leader of the free world – is too juicy to pass up as a possible metaphor for the new president's governing philosophy: Barack Obama likes to keep people guessing.

Throughout his presidential campaign, Mr. Obama refused to embrace an ideology (though as a senator, he was a safe liberal vote). He called himself a "pragmatist," with an eye toward "what works." In January, when Obama introduced the new chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Tim Kaine, he tiptoed a step further, saying that both he and the Virginia governor share a "pragmatic, progressive philosophy."

Now, almost 100 days into his presidency, Obama's track record reveals an ambitious leader, presiding over a massive expansion of government spending and the boldest intervention of government into the affairs of business since President Truman tried to nationalize the steel industry in 1952.

[nobama08]

I cannot think of any reason why it is good that Nobama was “selected”. He will destroy America as we know it.

[anniegetyourgun]

I thought you might say that. Our fellow conservatives are few in number.

[BilLies]

I did the same. It was not a lost effort, suppose the mighty ZERO had received a 66/33 cut, GAG. Where would wew be?

[neverdem]

In GOP base, a 'rebellion brewing'

[DoughtyOne]

No doubt about it...

[SaraJohnson]

McCain would have hired all rinos. Rinos kill the party. We watched Weld and Whitman do that in their states. They hate and insult conservatives and think they are better than the middle class. After McLame exploded the Republican party apart, he would lose the re-election like Bush Sr., to a democrat.

As bad as Obama is, McCain would have us in debt the same. With Obama we stand a chance to get a conservative voice, agenda and person to run against Obama in 2012.

[plain talk]

Anyone who says any other politician would have done “exactly the same thing” as Obama is an absolute idiot and a fool. Every politician is different and McCain (as much of a RINO as he is) is no Obama clone.

[BufordP]

Thoughts on Bruce Bartlett's Views on Obama vs. McCain on Dealing with the Economic Crisis

[RocketMan1]

I don’t believe McCain is consistently a true Conservative, but I certainly do not agree he would have done the same things Obama is doing. Obama is anti-military, anti-america and he is a Socialist. McCain almost died supporting America .. he supported the war and the Military. Although McCain does not represent the majority of Republicans, there are many distinct differences between him and Obama.

For all of the lefty's chanting "McSame," they were actually pretty spot on. Juan McCain would have just continued most of Bush's policies.

And I would take that ANY day over the Marxist policies of 0bummer! At least 0bummer is awakening the Conservative movement, and maybe that will help the Republican/RINO leadership to get a clue!

.. or not ..