Jul. 25, 2009 - Mark the day; I agree with the NY Times.
Today's NY Times on Obama's Gates arrest statements:
"Advisers said both his sharp statement, which was made at Wednesday night’s news conference, and his toned-down remarks on Friday reflected strains of his experiences. He was personally outraged by the arrest and wanted to speak bluntly about it, aides said. And they said he was distressed that his words proved polarizing and contrary to his instincts for conciliation."
Duh. Race issues are hard in America. The President, to borrow a phrase, acted stupidly in rushing to comment on a situation where he didn't know the facts. As more emerges about the facts of this particular case and it becomes increasingly clear that this case does not fit any racially motivated pattern, does anyone in our country seriously doubt that many cases do exist where there is underlying racial tension exhibited by police?
On Friday, I think Obama showed the three things I like best about him. First, he listens to his wife. If reports are accurate, it was after talking the whole hoohaw over with Michelle that Obama marched himself into the press room to try to dial back his wrong comments. Second, he at least tries to listen to opposing viewpoints. Third, his astute political survival instincts can push him to make concessions that go against some of his strong opinions.
I don't know if Michelle can help him with his stances on Israel and on health care (I suspect not). But the President would do well to apply some of what I do like about him to craft better foreign and domestic policies, rather than solely extend those instincts only in political dust-ups threatening his personal popularity.
Blessings, Holly
