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President Takes Page from Pope, Issues "Non-Apology" Apology

by Orlando 11/6/2010 - 3:05 am   |

I've been somewhat detached this political season, what with my commitment to stay away from the crazy for a while, but I have been reading the post-election blogs at Dag with interest. I have the same feeling now that I had in January 2008--Obama is going to be fine. Of course, I don't have a crystal ball and a lot is going to happen between now and then, including a sure-to-be nauseating 112th Congress.

The President has been rather candid this week about taking responsibility for the huge Democratic losses. Some think he should be more defiant but the guy is nothing if not reflective. But, for all of the criticism level against him regarding his lack of message and lack of leadership, he's come out with a pretty masterful response. It's short, it's sweet, and just like when the Pope said he was sorry that people felt he was being offensive when he insulted Islam (rather than actually apologizing for the insult in the first place), Obama doesn't actually say he's sorry:

"You know, I think that over the course of two years we were so busy and so focused on getting a bunch of stuff done that we stopped paying attention to the fact that leadership isn't just legislation."

And just like like, the President signals 1) that he might be ready to get in the game; and 2) that the critics can basically suck it because he's been busy actually doing stuff. 

Now, I know that there are a million and one opinions out there about the job that he is or isn't doing, what he could have done better, how he's a sell-out or a shill for corporate interests or whatever. I'm not overly thrilled with his job performance over the last two years but I certainly don't think he's been a total disaster and I'm ready to vote for him again, qualm free. But I do hope, as Dan K suggested the other day, that he's got his veto pen ready.

Agree, he basically told the critics "have a nice day. See ya."

by Flavius 11/6/2010 - 9:28 am

I like your take on it, Orlando, and I agree that this statement says a LOT while not being an apology.  If I could make Obama sit down and read Ramona's post about Harry Truman, I would.  But hopefully, I won't have to.

by LisB 11/6/2010 - 10:36 am

This raises some interesting questions on kinds of non-apology for me. When I saw your title I thought you were referring to the Pope's non-apology apology regarding pedophilia in the Church, which was different from the Islam case. That was a Cartman-like 'I'm sorrrry (but really, what's the big deal)' non-apology. The apology regarding his attack on Islam was more a Tony Blair-like compassionate indifference, as in 'I'm sorry you're so misguided in your views' (I'm thinking of Blair's non-apology for the Iraq war).

Obama's non-apology is a whole different kind of animal, imo. It's a passive aggressive 'Excuuuuse me for getting stuff done while you stand there bitching' kind of non-apology. Which, insofar as he is aiming the comment at the right-wing filibuster factory seems like the right kind of reaction.

I hope he does get back into the game, though his first moves conceding the extension of tax cuts for the rich doesn't encourage me. Here's to hoping he changes course.

by Obey 11/6/2010 - 12:36 pm

Thanks SO MUCH for your thoughtful contribution, Obey. I'm sure Orlando would thank you as well, and would LOVE to engage you more fully in the weeks to come. That is, once she's done...

SAVING PEOPLE FROM VOLCANIC EXPLOSIONS IN INDONESIA. YOU KNOW, YOU'VE PROBABLY SEEN HER ON THE NEWS: LIFTING CHILDREN UP INTO HELICOPTERS WITH HER BARE HANDS AS SHE DANGLES WITHIN INCHES OF RIVERS OF RED-HOT LAVA... THEN PARACHUTING TO THE GROUND, THROWING DONKEY CARTS AND SMALL CARS ONTO HER SHOULDERS AS SHE RACES AHEAD OF PYROCLASTIC FLOWS THAT MOVE AT THE SPEED OF FUCKING SOUND. 

Yes. Thanks ever so much for your comment.

by quinn esq 11/6/2010 - 1:37 pm (re: Obey)

Oh great. Another 'do something' person. She better apologize when she's done as well then!

by Obey 11/6/2010 - 2:14 pm (re: quinn esq)

When the critics are resoundingly throwing your party out of office, maybe a message of "suck it" isn't the best way to go? Although, it is pretty much his typical response.

 

by kgb999 11/6/2010 - 6:19 pm

When I was a pup, growing-up on the West side of Chicago, groups of kids held "territories".  Cross a certain street and you had entered the "badlands."  Run or fight...That's the way it was!  I became a student of a guy who repeatededly told me..."Watch his face and his shoulders -- He'll broadcast his punch...Hit him first and make it the hardest punch you ever made!  If you had no effect upon him...RUN!"  To this day -- decades later, I bear many scars, but have never been put on my back.  I have followed that advice throughout my life...In a bar or in the office.  I survived... Negotiations and bipartinism have to be acceptable to both parties or violence will ensue.  I believe that our president must, quickly, accept the fact that the GOP is not acting on behalf of our nation.  They will accept "NOTHING" other than a return to power to the upper two-percentile.

“We can't make the mistake of being passive. On the contrary, we have to be in attack mode. They are very talented, and very fast.”

Craig Rivet

by chucktrotter 11/6/2010 - 7:58 pm (re: kgb999)

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