I'm kind wondering ...

[1StrongBlackMan]

Last edited Sun Jan 18, 2015, 11:23 AM - Edit history (1)

why is/are the pundit-class(es) spending so much time talking about President Obama's "legacy", when there is little evidence that President Obama is/has done anything for the purpose of establishing a legacy.

If President Obama were attempting to secure his "legacy" would he now be talking 24/7 about the ACA, Lilly Ledbetter, the end of DADT and DOMA; rather than, pressing immigration reform, tax reform, accessibility to higher education?

I have long sensed (and said) that this President recognizes that (and operates as though) none of this is about him (i.e., a "legacy&quot ; but, rather, about what is needed.

[SheilaT]

1. Because the pundit class only knows how to talk that way.

I started to write "think that way" but there's no real thought involved. They only know how to recite talking points. For them, one of the talking points about a President is "legacy".

Whereas Obama started his adult working life as a community organizer, so he (I'm guessing here) is more inclined to think in terms of immediate effectiveness, then long-term effectiveness of what he does.

[1StrongBlackMan]

2. I think it's more about ...

the egoism that is society ... because WE are ego-obsessed, others must be, as well.

[brer cat]

3. Projection?

I agree that PBO doesn't demonstrate concern for his legacy, and I think that is obvious in the paths he is taking now. He will go out fighting, not simply shoring up past accomplishments.

[sheshe2]

4. He plays the long game, 1SBM.

Summed up pretty well here.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025223317

[1StrongBlackMan]

5. Yes, he does ...

and very well, I might add.

And sadly, too many "Democrats", can't see it.

[sheshe2]

6. Yup, 1SBM.

I just noticed that...

And sadly, too many "Democrats", can't see it.

on another thread I just came off. Something to do with what he plans to address at SOTU. That black man can never catch a break here at Democratic Underground, without the old but but but but but!

[1StrongBlackMan]

7. I haven't made it to that threadyet; but, I'm going through the thread ...

about his proposing cuts for the middleclass ... and every other comment is, "Why didn't he do it 4 years ago?"

Perhaps, these posters weren't paying attention to the vote registry for his entire Presidency? Or, maybe, it's that folks don't understand that in politics ... "moral victories" are political losses.

[sheshe2]

8. Lol~

That's the one I was referring to, the one when he should have done it when he had that huge "majority" for about 25 days.

[1StrongBlackMan]

9. 25 non-contiguous days, at that! n/t

[NYC_SKP]

10. Recommended nt

[freshwest]

11. Top 3 reasons for the incessant media-driven 'Obama Legacy' meme:

#3: They insist on not talking about the present in order to strangle his agenda to change the status quo.

BTW, he has said 'his legacy' never enters into what he does. He says his focus and joy with being POTUS lies within the changes for the better. It's not about him. It's whether life for others get better that is his pleasure.

#2: They are insinuating that he is a phony and as shallow as they are. They are privileged, most of them in their places through nepotism (check the marriages, family lineage and their shared associations) and living in that position seldom leads to original thought. They live in the past.

#1: They've been dreaming about him being out of office before he was in office. They can't bear to think for one second of 'that man' in the White House.

The more ominous part comes from the fact that a person's legacy is not usually discussed until they are dead. Which really puts the icing on the cake of #1. It's a Death Wish.

JMNSHO.

[1StrongBlackMan]

12. I cannot disagree...

But will add, as you touched on, when we talk about "legacy" we are closing the conservation to anything that is to come ... we focus on, and re-litigate, what was done.

[IrishAyes]

13. President Obama, among many other sterling qualities, seems to be an entirely selfless man.

[1StrongBlackMan]

14. Upon which ...

everyone, including liberals, project(s) their own narcissism/egoism.

[IrishAyes]

15. And to which, fortunately, he seems immune.

Don't you just love it? And wow, what an elegant smackdown with the SOTU.

[Cha]

17. Yes, and ironically what is needed will be his legacy in spite of all the ignorant talking heads in

the world.