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And from a practical standpoint, I don't think it's doing him any good politically at a time when he really can't afford to associate himself with any more controversy than he's already embroiled in. OK, granted, taking a shot at Kanye West is a pretty safe bet; not many people are going to disagree with him on that. But as I said, it's a pattern with him, and if you make these little cracks on a semi-regular basis, it's just a matter of time before you overstep on something a little less unequivocal and piss off a lot of people you really didn't need to piss off and can't really afford to piss off - as he did when he criticized the Cambridge police before he knew all the facts. I just think the man would be better served with a little more Cal Coolidge (in that regard, at any rate), and a little less Harry Truman.

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ORIGINAL: SpinnerofTales

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And from a practical standpoint, I don't think it's doing him any good politically at a time when he really can't afford to associate himself with any more controversy than he's already embroiled in. OK, granted, taking a shot at Kanye West is a pretty safe bet; not many people are going to disagree with him on that. But as I said, it's a pattern with him, and if you make these little cracks on a semi-regular basis, it's just a matter of time before you overstep on something a little less unequivocal and piss off a lot of people you really didn't need to piss off and can't really afford to piss off - as he did when he criticized the Cambridge police before he knew all the facts. I just think the man would be better served with a little more Cal Coolidge (in that regard, at any rate), and a little less Harry Truman.

Actually, Panda..that's an interesting comparison. Harry Truman was a president who rebelled against the "white house bubble". He used to really piss off his security detail by taking unscheduled walks through the streets of DC. When he took office, Obama mentioned that bubble, that tendency to lose touch with the real world. He stated very clearly that he didn't want to do that. He didn't want to be so in touch with being president that he forgot what it was to be a person.

I think his sense of humor (caustic as it is), his tendency to speak off the cuff and his delving into subjects that have nothing to do with his office (like handicapping the NCAA basketball tournament or commenting on Kanye West) is an extension of that desire. Yes, it has it's political risks, but I think he honestly feels it's important NOT to filter every thought, word and experience through the lens of "I am the president". I have no doubt that he is aware that this could bite him in the ass politics wise, but I think he's decided that the risk of becoming lost in the power of the position is less desirable to take.

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ORIGINAL: CallaFirestormBW

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And from a practical standpoint, I don't think it's doing him any good politically at a time when he really can't afford to associate himself with any more controversy than he's already embroiled in.

I'm sorry, but if we can't handle a president who has opinions, and is direct and forthright about expressing them... then we deserve -exactly- what we get instead.

Dame Calla

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ORIGINAL: SoulPiercer

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ORIGINAL: Leiren

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ORIGINAL: ThatDamnedPanda

I wish he'd learn to keep his damned mouth shut on issues that are none of his damned business. It happens I agree with him this time, but that's beside the point. You'd think he'd have learned something from making such a fool of himself calling out the cop in the Gates incident, but apparently not. The arrogance of this man amazes me. Focus on doing your own job in a professional manner, Mr. President, and stop running your mouth about things that are no concern of yours.

Wow! I never expected to see the day that I would agree with you on anything, Panda. But today is the day.

If I understand that statement correctly, Kanye's being a jackass was none of the president's damned business. What about Jay Leno? Was it his business? What about the other millions of people who expressed an opinion, was it their business?

Here's a link to the Oath of office of the President: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oath_of_office_of_the_President_of_the_United_States

Nowhere in that oath does it say POTUS gives up their right to an opinion, nor their right to freedom of speech.

My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you today that I’ve signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes.

Back in 1984, Ronald Reagan said that, not realizing he was speaking into an open mic. As a result, I, along with thousands of other U.S. troops in Europe, spent two weeks out in the woods, due to Russian troop movements.

I think I can deal with the current president calling Kanye a jackass.

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ORIGINAL: CallaFirestormBW

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And from a practical standpoint, I don't think it's doing him any good politically at a time when he really can't afford to associate himself with any more controversy than he's already embroiled in.

I'm sorry, but if we can't handle a president who has opinions, and is direct and forthright about expressing them... then we deserve -exactly- what we get instead.

Dame Calla

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There's a difference between being blunt and plain-spoken, and being a persnickety snipe. Harry Truman knew what the difference was; I don't think Obama does. Not yet, anyway, and until he does, I'd rather he stopped running off his mouth whenever he thinks we need to know who he disapproves of today. I would have hoped he learned that lesson when he made such an ass of himself criticizing that cop, but apparently he did not. I wish he would before he does something that makes him look as bad as that incident did, but I'm not holding my breath.
ORIGINAL: ThatDamnedPanda