He makes some good points that I haven’t seen anyone else make. For example:
In short, presidential storytelling – no matter how eloquent – leads not to the “natural” process that Westen envisions, in which the public inevitably coalesces behind the “right” policy option. Instead, it leads to policy outcomes that are stitched together from inconsistent and often contradictory visions about what government should do.
And this:
Westen, like many “purists” on the Left (and like their counterparts on the Right) deludes himself into thinking politics is a zero-sum game centered on the struggle between the forces of good (those who support my politics) and the forces of evil (those who oppose my policies). He apparently does not understand that it is he, and purists like him, who pose the bigger threat to Obama’s presidency. Their demand that the President eschew compromise, and the promise to punish him if he does not, is what makes it so much more difficult for Obama to address the real problems that confront the nation.
The full post is here.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I don’t think Westin envisions a “natural” process. The reason why he wants Obama to change his rhetoric is because he wants him to be able to effectively communicate his policies.
Westin never says that all the policies Obama will go after will be everything that liberals want. I agree that’s not realistic. But considering the rhetoric we hear coming out of Washington, from both sides, something needs to change. Given the way the media is attracted to 30 second or less sound bites, it can’t hurt to figure out a way that help American’s visualize what their leader has in mind.