September 1, 2008. The annual Laborfest on the Milwaukee Summerfest grounds. Only a few days after his acceptance speech at the convention, the Democratic nominee for President spoke to thousands, extolling the value of organized labor with a speech that connected the history and importance of unions with our United States. It wasn't his stump speech, and it won't go down in history, but these were the days of Hope and Change, and it was hard not to be moved by the significance of the moment.
September 1, 2009. President Barack Obama's approval is at an anemic 52% as the health insurance "debate" continues to dampen Democratic intensity and calcify Republican dissent. Never mind that four of five Congressional committees have passed reform bills with public options. Continuing lies about death panels and socialism have left an easily duped electorate overwhelmingly confused. But as the President would admit, the buck stops with him.
The Obama administration has been driven by a desire to not repeat the mistakes of the Clinton administration (see "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"). I still believe that Obama is playing 3D chess while his opponents/enemies are still figuring out checkers. He's been fighting for bipartisanship while they've been bringing AR-15s to rallies. I think he's given them just enough rope to hang themselves with, as he often did during the campaign.
In general, the Senate is where good legislation goes to die, a product of small state domination and outdated rules. In this case, the process is being held up by "Democratic" senators that are bought and paid for by health care interests. The President can only twist the arms of his former colleagues from Montana and North Dakota so much (I knew we should have kept extraordinary rendition around for a little longer). The Senate Finance Committee will eventually have to produce something. So we wait. And wait. And wait some more. But when all five committees have passed laws, and it becomes clear that Republicans will not admit there is a problem, much less support a final bill, they can bring out the big gun of reconciliation. Obama is not one to back down from a fight, but he also doesn't draw first.
A lot can change in a year. And in the age of the 24-hour news cycle, a lot can change in days and weeks, as well. So I still have faith in the man that stood on the stage at Laborfest, whether the topic of the day is unions or health care.
