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Subscribe to RSSAfter last night's bipartisan passage of a massive tax cut deal delivered a big win for the White House, news organizations hurried to cast President Barack Obama as "the new comeback kid." (Conservative columnist Charles Krauthammer was among the first out of the gate.)
As we wrote this morning, the deal represented Obama’s biggest victory since the passage of his flagship health care reform in March, and it’s certainly a welcome triumph for a White House badly in need of approving nods from swing voters.
But before you grant the 'Comeback Kid' title, keep in mind just how much the press occasionally enjoys searching for the next worthy recipient of the moniker famously self-submitted by Bill Clinton after his New Hampshire campaign rebound.
Here’s just a smattering of headlines celebrating the shorthand for the ultimate unlikely victor since Clinton first nabbed the title in 1992.
Clinton stars as Comeback Kid -- Chicago Tribune, Jan. 2008
Is McCain the latest 'Comeback Kid'? -- Miami Herald, Dec. 2007
John Edwards: The Comeback Kid? -- Greensboro News & Record, Jan. 2008
John Kerry, the new Comeback Kid -- U.S. News and World Report, June 2007
Comeback Kid?; Bob Barr Likely to Seek a Return to the House in 2004 -- Roll Call, Jan. 2003
GEPHARDT: THE NEXT COMEBACK KID? – Hotline, May 2001
“Is Quayle the next Comeback Kid?” -- New York Times, 1999
“Will Gore be the new ‘Comeback Kid’?” -– Knoxville News-Sentinel, Sept.1997
Why Dole Might Star As the Comeback Kid – Christian Science Monitor, Feb. 1996
Bob Packwood, comeback kid? – Washington Times, March 1995
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It is hysterical how the media continually is comparing Obama to someone else. Obama of course was the "new politician", "the "non-partisan President", the "intellectual" who would find simple solutions to complex problems, someone unique, someone "New". You know, "The Hopey Changey" guy.
It's amazing through isn't it? Obama fights like heck for the Bush Tax Cut extensions, gets the heavily Democratic Congress to go along with it, and all of sudden he's "The Comeback Kid".
Looking more and more like George Bush is the real Comeback Kid. Because despite all of Obama's bellowing and rhetoric, Obama has once again ended up agreeing with Bush.
talking WITH Joann (not "@" - what's the matter with you people ?!? )
when did he ever promise "SIMPLE" solutions? Respectfully, that's something y'all on the right need to understand better than you do: these ARE NOT simple problems !!! The HCR bill was 2000+ pages because it HAD TO BE!
Seriously, sometimes y'all are like that SNL political analyst (played by Keenan - Weekend Update segment). When Seth asks what the gov't (congress, administration) should do to fix a certain problem Keenan yells, "I'll tell you what they need to do, they need to FIX IT!!" Believe it or not, it really is ALOT more complicated than that.
JoAnnaSmith1
Looking more and more like George Bush is the real Comeback Kid. Because despite all of Obama's bellowing and rhetoric, Obama has once again ended up agreeing with Bush.
I will agree with you about the media. However, you anylasis of the President fighting and agreeing with Georgie Boy is flawed.
The President fought members in his own party as well as the knuckle headed Gop/ Tea Party
The tax cuts are tentative, not permanent.
Since the President is neither a tea bagger or Republican, he cares that was why he compromised. Georgie Boy and others in that whole cabal would never do that. In fact, they are talking as we speak about making the tax cuts permanent.
The President can fight those greedy, betraying, bloviators with his veto pen. Believe me, they are/will spend millions and million of dollars to distort, betray, have dummies vote against their own interest and to blast us back to the past.
Beverly, I wouldn't waste a lot of time on poor Joanna: She is just graphically demonstrating what the University of Maryland study tells us: Fox "News" devotees are the least informed.
That was just such a brilliant move by Obama. He got slaughtered on the issue in 2010, and it will need to be revisited again in 2012. Think it will come up during the campaign? Can't wait!!
And there weren't any tax cuts, at least none suggested by the GOP. The 2% tax holiday from Social Security taxes for 2011 was Obama's idea. The other taxes were just maintaining the Bush level taxes, which apparently now both Obama and Billy Clinton agree with. The estate tax went from 0% to 35%, so that was a significant raise in taxes. But in the end, the GOP, the very minority party in the Congress, got the best deal they could under the circumstances.
That was classic video of Obama. I've never seen him lose it that badly. No control what-so-ever. Completely off the rails.
JS1,
2012 will not be an issue. During 2011 or early 2012 there will be a rewrite of the tax codes to be effective 2013 which means tax cuts will not be a campaign issue. And with GOP/TP in control of the House it will be a Republican/Tea Party Tax Code.
So Dennis, you're saying Obama will sign this new tax code you perceive into law?
When that happens, I guess the media will once again talk about what a "Big Win" it will be for Obama, and that he's, again, "The Comeback Kid".
We don't even need a Republican in the White House when you have a push over like Obama there.
Death by a thousand cuts:
This was a small win for democrats, but the bigger picture shows a modest win for republicans. The ultimate goal for conservatives is to eliminate the estate tax and this win for them is just one more cut in their war on government. They also had a victory with the payrol tax with a cut for at least one year. The ultra conservaties want to kill goverment with a death by a thousand cuts.
Yeah, for all 6,000 (.02%) that it affects. Greed, simple greed is all that 'goal' is.
I don't understand, why is it a issue? That money was already taxed. Tim are you telling me if you had 5 million from your fathers estate and the government came in and took45% away, that would be OK?
How can you call it greed. If the estate had a family home and you were forced to sell it to pay the government its share, would that be OK?
JoAnnaSmith1 - woman you are driving me crazy. Face it nothing President Obama will ever do would satisfy you - you constantly criticize everything related to him. I have been on this site before you ever showed up and frankly between you and another negative person you have taken the joy out of reading this site but honestly most of the time I don't bother reading yours. And when I just happen to read yours I want to call you out but alas I have a job and can't cruise this website all the time like you can. But you - I just can't quite pinpoint what I dislike most about your posts - oh wait total negativity - that's it.
Get a job or get a life - truly I think you really need it. It's the holiday season, walk away from your computer, go outside, take a walk, greet neighbors - something other than hanging out here 24/7/365.
But- will you get over it? Naw.
Do we care? Naw.
I mean......HELL NAW!
First Read - I heard that Senator Rockafeller is bring a law to smack down the EPA on Global Warming laws. I also hear that Napolitano has Homeland security ready for a new mission - something about protecting the enviroment.
This is kind of big news, politically, no? How about an article? I mean I hate to be a bother but yesterday or the day before Ali dedicated what must have been 10 minutes to the Emily's list story. Although she failed to idenify what the heck Emily's list is I learned that 4 out of five dentists recommend chewing trident or something equally as important.
Where's the beef? or is it MSNBC=NBC=GE= huge investment in global warming hysteria. Could that be? I'd be shocked, just shocked. Look at me sounding all Oliver Stone-y.
The media really has fallen into the Silly Season; this is just funny. How can Barack Obama be a come back kid when he hasn't gone anywhere? His poll numbers remain strong despite the economic mess he inherited, he brought the economy back from a near depression, he has been able to pass more major legislation in two years than any other president in a generation.....and he did all that despite a GOP Senate minority who obstructed, delayed, stalled everything to defeat him. President Barack Obama hasn't gone anywhere and he will continue to go about working to solve this country's problems with or without republican cooperation.
And for that, the REAL citizens of this country are greatful.
Thanks, Jody, for the perspective.
drive-by-observer
And for that, the REAL citizens of this country are greatful.
Off topic
drive-by-observer, I left this for you under First thoughts. I'm not sure if you saw it; so I copied it for you.
John B, Des Moines, IA
Speaking of Sarah Palin, someone's spending a BOATLOAD of money to turn her from a nobody to a political star. I wonder who that is and what they want?
The Real Story Behind How McCain Chose Sarah Palin
They were just smitten by her. They described her wearing high heels and saying, "Hi, I'm Sarah," and introducing herself charmingly. And they talked, almost to a man, how gorgeous she was. They called her a "honey." Bill Kristol called her "my heartthrob." I mean, they sounded like guys with schoolboy crushes, practically.
http://www.alternet.org/story/105359/the_real_story_behind_how_mccain_chose_sarah_palin?page=3
in fact, Dick Morris sort of pulled her aside for a private conversation, which she then revealed later to the group, in which he said, "If you want to be successful politically, you've got to continue to hold onto your image as an outsider. Play up that outsider thing." And obviously, she has. But it's just so interesting to hear that really it's a calculated strategy. It's not just because she is an outsider; it's a ploy, to some extent.
AG: Dick Morris, of course, the disgraced aide to President Clinton, though usually with the Republicans.
AG: So, you have the cruises to Alaska, National Review and the Weekly Standard. How did that parlay into, well, Sarah Palin being chosen on the ticket? And if you could bring Adam Brickley into this.
JM: Sure. Well, alright, so the cruises come through in the summer of 2007. Fred Barnes goes right back to Washington and writes a glowing column about Palin and what a fabulous politician she is and a promising, rising star in the Republican Party.
http://www.alternet.org/story/105359/the_real_story_behind_how_mccain_chose_sarah_palin?page=2
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drive-by-observer
If he wasn't so near death, I'd think Cheney has a hand in it. The Koch bros for sure, and probably Dick Armey. It would be just like when Bush was in office. They could get him to do and say anything they wanted, because he was DIM WITTED.
You could be right. Dick Morris said: "The GOP primaries of 12 will be held on Fox News"
http://mediamatters.org/blog/201011290040
After all,they appear on FOX NOISE'S ECHO CHAMBER almost daily.
#16.7 - Fri Dec 17, 2010 11:51 AM EST
Amen, Beverly.
Sadly.
This week (today actually) we will see the signing of unemployment benefits and tax cut extensions. We may see repeal of DADT and the DREAM Act may become legislation in a matter of hours. The START Treaty as well. President Obama also said this week that he will sign the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
One good week a presidency doesn't make. I agree. But it has been a very very good week for the President of the United States. He will stay behind tomorrow in DC as his young family leaves for their Christmas vacation.
This is one productive Administration. It's what we wanted. A president willing to govern. And that is exactly what he's doing.
Pat,
Where did you see the Dream Act may become legislation in a matter of hours?
In her dreams, silly.
thetotas,
A procedural vote on DADT and the DREAM Act is expected around noon Saturday (12-18) with a final vote later Saturday or Sunday.
Since Pat posted this after 3 pm I would say this is “in a matter of hours” since it is less than 24 hours until the scheduled procedural vote to move the bills forward.
JoAnna, why are you always such a negative, I-told-you-so, look at me I'm controversial, person? Why can't you ever say something like 'wow, today was a good day for ALL of us' instead of gloating, looking down your nose or backbiting your fellow posters here?
Do you even realize that WE are all in this together and WE are trying to do what is best for our country, not score a gotcha or political point to make ourselves look good or feel more important. (well, most of us)
Try a little respect and civility, it will go a long way.
Come back from what? His approval ratings have remained astonishingly steady, so I'm not sure what he needs to come back from. This is another example of inside the beltway bubble conventional wisdom mongering, as First Read is creating and relying on a baseless narrative.
And just for the record he never agreed with the Bush cuts, he was forced into a COMPROMISE by the Republicans to take care of the REAL people he represents, the middle class.
It represents a real win, too, owing to the Republicans position of no compromise when all of us know that is exactly what we need right now.
I said something good about Boehner just yesterday. Joanna, your Christmas assignment is this: complete this sentence, positive comment only: I'll start you off: "I admire President Obama for..... and remember, Santa is watching!
"...NOT being McCain"
Ooops- I"M not Joanna. How'd I get in here? (think Beverly HIll Cop: "Say, THIS is not my locker....")
Sorry, NDD.
Well worth it drive by, thanks for the laugh. I am quite sure that poor Joanna will not accept the challenged since it would force her brain to think positively. I wonder if she can?
HELL NO she CAN'T!!! (whimper...whimper...sob....)
Its the season and all that NDD, but seriously, as well as we know JS1, I think we all know where to place our money.
You are probably right, Frank, but you know what they say..."live in hope!" Merry Christmas to you, my friend!
Pat Boston MA
One good week a presidency doesn't make. I agree. But it has been a very very good week for the President of the United States. He will stay behind tomorrow in DC as his young family leaves for their Christmas vacation.
This is one productive Administration. It's what we wanted. A president willing to govern. And that is exactly what he's doing.
Exactly, Pat.
We can mark this one along with the other 300+ achievements .
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/rulings/promise-kept/
Did you see this?
PolitiFact's Lie of the Year: 'A government takeover of health care'
The Republican talking point was the most pervasive falsehood of the year, used hundreds of times by GOP leaders and candidates. And it worked: a majority of Americans believe the law is a government takeover.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/
I do hope the confused will be able to separate fact from fiction.
Beverly, 300 plus achievements. In two years. He's a doer it appears. He really wants things done.
President Obama's signing today was interesting. He sounds like a man who really does like Mitch McConnell. Same with Sen. McConnell and his apparent willingness to work with the President. Both parties really did block out the noise and worked together to get this legislation put together & signed. VP Biden has been a great asset to this Administration. I saw a lot of mutual respect from both sides of the aisle today. And it's nice to see, even if it won't be a habit going forward. But for one day at least - we saw leadership from everybody.
The American people should be very happy about that.
Keep up the good work Beverly.
Keep up the good work Beverly.
Thanks Pat, I try.
...well said...
:)
The only thing this illustrates is how the media is constantly on the search for the next "narrative." The media would rather spin a yarn for the public than actually inform. Likewise, it's telling that, in the wake of what the media is hailing as a "victory" for the President, they're simultaneously setting up the next pitfall/dose of skepticism. So, on the one hand "Obama's Biggest Victory Since Health Reform" is one side of the narrative, with the other being "But Don't Call him the Comeback Kid Just Yet!" as the other. By using these two storylines side-by-side, the media generates a perpetual state of conflict, which in turn drives ratings.
The only way that Obama will be the come back kid is if the country has a comeback from the disaster the middle class has been forced to endure. It would be nice if the repubs stopped sucking up to their rich masters and started thinking in terms of what is good for the working class. If they continue to fight for only the wealthy then it is going to be tough for all of us working class for the next two years. If the far left will stop wanting to get their agenda or nothing then maybe some jobs might be created and then the whole country will be the comeback kid and our kids will have a better future to look forward to. We will see.
The tax compromise was not an Obama win, but does represent what the original stimulus should have been if hte Republicans had been allowed to contribute as part of the process. When the economy begins to turn around this next year, credit the sustained tax policies of the Bush era and not the Union and Liberal paybacks embedded by the Democrats in their last Stimulus Bill. American woke up and finally realized what the Democrats were doing to their future and removed them on 2 November, but I have not seen much learning any lessons from the Democrats yet. I hope the Republicans learned their lessons about spending and get to work reducing the Federal Budget and gross expansion of staffing and Government intervention. With the Republicans , we finally have a chance to cut spending and change the tax codes by eliminating payoffs or tax breaks so we can reduce the rates more!
This how I see it. Most repubs have conveniently forgotten what happened and how it happened for the last ten years. Most demos have to learn that the government cannot pay for everything. Both parties spend too much and are beholding to the special interests who put money in their pockets. The unions are practically non existent anymore and they may be the only thing between a decent wage and a third world country wages. As far as tax breaks are concerned. I will bet you that the wealthy will continue on down the path they have been on forever, if they can swing it. Oil still runs the world and big business still runs the USA. If you think that the repubs have the moral high ground, just remember who backed the last election. Oh, that's right, no one knows.