Obama starting to play hardball?

Dunno. But some interesting things seem to be happening in his recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board (NRLB):

http://motherjones.c...ma-plays-hardball

[...]

This is pretty fascinating. Years ago, after Republicans filibustered a Carter nominee to the NLRB, the two parties made a deal: the board would have three appointees from the president's party and two from the other party. So after he took office Obama nominated two Democrats and one Republican to fill the NLRB's three vacant seats and got support from a couple of Republicans on the HELP committee for the entire slate. But when it got to the Senate floor John McCain put a hold on Becker, and his nomination Â along with the others Â died.

Fast forward to today and Obama finally decides to fill the board using recess appointments. But what does he do? He only appoints the two Democrats. This is not what you do if you're trying to make nice. It's what you do if you're playing hardball and you want to send a pointed message to the GOP caucus. You won't act on my nominees? Fine. I'll appoint my guys and then leave it up to you to round up 50 votes in the Senate for yours. Have fun.

Does this mean the postpartisan Obama is finally dying away, overtaken by a newly muscular president willing to duke it out with a Republican Party that he finally realizes has been utterly consumed by its hardcore obstructionist wing? Maybe! Stay tuned.

Things are getting interesting again. :-)

Cheers,
Scott.

Post #323,598 by Another Scott 3/28/10 12:01:53 AM Reply	Obama starting to play hardball? Dunno. But some interesting things seem to be happening in his recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board (NRLB): http://motherjones.c...ma-plays-hardball [...] This is pretty fascinating. Years ago, after Republicans filibustered a Carter nominee to the NLRB, the two parties made a deal: the board would have three appointees from the president's party and two from the other party. So after he took office Obama nominated two Democrats and one Republican to fill the NLRB's three vacant seats and got support from a couple of Republicans on the HELP committee for the entire slate. But when it got to the Senate floor John McCain put a hold on Becker, and his nomination Â along with the others Â died. Fast forward to today and Obama finally decides to fill the board using recess appointments. But what does he do? He only appoints the two Democrats. This is not what you do if you're trying to make nice. It's what you do if you're playing hardball and you want to send a pointed message to the GOP caucus. You won't act on my nominees? Fine. I'll appoint my guys and then leave it up to you to round up 50 votes in the Senate for yours. Have fun. Does this mean the postpartisan Obama is finally dying away, overtaken by a newly muscular president willing to duke it out with a Republican Party that he finally realizes has been utterly consumed by its hardcore obstructionist wing? Maybe! Stay tuned. Things are getting interesting again. :-) Cheers, Scott.
Post #323,624 by jay 3/28/10 7:04:55 PM Reply	He has been stepping it up of late Since he ended up in a situation where he had to push hard to get health care through, he has been pushing harder on everything. Not just American politics, he has also moved a lot more on international negotiations, particularly Israel. Jay
Post #323,630 by static 3/28/10 8:46:42 PM Reply	Interesting. Q:Is it proper to eat cheeseburgers with your fingers? A:No, the fingers should be eaten separately.

Welcome to IWETHEY!