Walter Rodgers (Christian Science Monitor): “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it,” instructed the Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels, “people will eventually come to believe it.”
….the big lie repeated about President Obama has been that he’s not a real leader … Some of this maligning reflects darker bigotry toward Mr. Obama. But it also shows our outdated and wrongheaded notions of leadership.
American culture mistakenly prizes bravado and arrogance as sure signs of leadership. Public showmanship – like donning a flight suit in front of a “Mission Accomplished” banner – is easy. Quiet, cool, competence that gets results – like pulling together an international coalition to protect civilians in Libya in record time – is hard. It’s a bias we learn as kids. Our history books lionize war heroes, yet are often silent about the diplomats who prevented conflict.
Let’s recall the herculean tasks Obama has already accomplished (see here)
….Forgetting these and other accomplishments …. Goebbels-style nihilism that rejects anything Obama does as odious remains a powerful narrative. The good news is that Obama’s shrewd and calculated management of the hunt for bin Laden shows how hollow these critiques are…
….Obama’s hawkish critics chide him for allegedly “sitting on the sidelines” during recent uprisings in Yemen, Tunisia, Bahrain, Egypt, Libya, and Syria. Take it from someone who has reported from across the Middle East: Sitting out potential Arab civil wars isn’t abdication of leadership; it is wisdom.
And yet, when facing near-certain humanitarian disaster, Obama wisely and rapidly put together a broad NATO coalition to deal with the Libyan revolt while keeping American involvement to a minimum – no boots on the ground and no dead Americans.
…A friend, a center-right voter, told me recently, “The reason I voted for Obama is because he has no hatred in him.” In another era of divisive bitterness, Lincoln preached, “with malice toward none, with charity toward all.” It’s worth noting how closely Obama’s philosophy of leadership approaches that.
Full article here
The Obama Diary 
‘Is crumbling?’ What about ‘has crumbled’? 😉 What’s wrong with the general public? Are they blind? Our Man has been leading from before his official campaign started! 🙄
I liked the article.
GOD is THE one guiding the President;NOT Corporations
it’s true: PBO has no hate in him. i hope more people come to see that.
THAT’S RIGHT LISA…THAT IS A MARK OF GREAT LEADERSHIP! HE WILL BE THE BEST PRESIDENT IN OUR HISTORY!
Lisa,
This lack of hate is something a lot of folks on the left (that are supposed be supporters of PBO) need to get grip on. They constantly look for PBO to climb onto a soap box and rip the right/repubs/teabaggers a new one, and to call them out for being the scourge of our nation.
While true, and all of us here at TDO would do it in a heart beat, PBO won’t. Because of this demeanor, I am so glad he is the one sitting at the head of the table and calling the shots..just saying!
The quote about his not having hatred in him is profound. And when you compare him to those who are challenging him and their ugliness, it’s even more glaring.
The President said in his speech at Westminster, “Our action -– our leadership -– is essential to the cause of human dignity. And so we must act -– and lead -– with confidence in our ideals, and an abiding faith in the character of our people, who sent us all here today”.
I sometimes wonder how he continues to see the good, and call for the good, in the people who give him a 50+ approval rating in the face of such great odds. I often wish he would just deliver a smackdown of everyone who would rather be apathetic and watch some reality show instead of educating themselves on the state of the world. And I often get heartbroken at the way he’s being treated. But, I think this line from his speech gives some insight into what keeps him going in the face of adversity. He just has to. He has to believe and have faith and persevere. He will continue to call on the good nature and spirit of Americans and people around the world. Watching the heartwarming reception he’s received around the world during this trip, especially after a month of utter depravity, tells me that many are hearing his call, and answering it. The world has never seen one like this.
Oh boy, do I agree with everything you said! Perfectly stated.
theo67,
Well said!!
You have effectively captured my thoughts and feelings when it comes to PBO and how it drives me crazy to hear all of the negativity directed at him.
Once again Theo67, I agree with you!!! Well said!
He has been leading since his speech at the Democratic Convention in 2004, people just didn’t know it. For eight years people mistakenly called posing and posturing, leadership. It has taken 2 1/2 years for people to realize what leadership actually is. It isn’t bullying, it isn’t crowing, it isn’t saying “Im the decider” (anyone who has to say that, obviously isn’t). This man has accomplished more so far than others have in eight years, and he has done it without fanfare. He is competent and creative. He ran for president because he had an ideal for the country, not just a desire to be called Mr. President. It looks like the rest of the world is leading the way for Americans to realize what a fine leader we have! Way to go Ireland, Britain and France.
I’m ready for those on the professional left to stop whining, or whinging, as the Brits say, to grow up and be thankful for the gift they’ve been given!!!
Because President Obama does not fit their template. I agree change is happening and has been happening, we need to stay the course. People are so busy looking backwards, they are failing to realize we are moving forward. President Obama is far greater than most can begin to realize. Someday the scales will fall from their eyes as well.
TO “STAND AND DELIVER “IS WHAT THIS PRESIDENT HAS DONE AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO!!!
Wow what a terrific article. I wish every repub and nicompoop could read this article. Leadership is not some macho display of power and cowboy like antics. It is thoughtful, decisive decision making after pondering and looking at all sides of an issue. It is not wearing a flight suit in front of a mission accomplished banner after taking a nation into an unjustified war; it is quietly planning from day one to rid the world of a monster, accomplishing that mission with no grandstanding and fan fare. President Barack Obama is the epitome of LEADERSHIP and everyone better take notice and be grateful that we have an accomplished captain at the helm.
Yeah, personally I’d like to see some damn gratitude from the American people for ALL thats been done by this President and his administration. Nary a word of gratitude from the far right or the PL on the killing of the mass murderer of thousands of human beings… not to mention all the many things he’s accomplished.. and even while not receiving recognition or gratitude from the public, thanks in large part to the lack of truthful reporting by the media- President Obama doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t lose a step, just keeps right on working and accomplishing. Folks had seriously better wise up in this country.
Wish we could rally supporters for a march of gratitude for our great President.
Sue I suggested this somewhere, sometime last year before the mid-terms. There have been any number of marches and demonstrations for or against the administration and policies, yet none to show our support of PBO. It’s fine to donate and call for campaigns, but since PBO has been so embattled for the last three or so years, I’ve always felt we need to really give a visual show of support. Wonder what it would take. I’m not one to wish something to occur and not take action, but I wouldn’t know the first thing about getting a march together.
Same here…I have been thinking this for a long time as well. Any activists here that have experience with organizing similar events?
I’m not, but I’m willing to go anywhere to participate in the march. Even if there are no activists, is there a way to start something up? Would we need permits? Where would we decide to do the March? Who would we have to inform? So many questions. What do we do? Can we contact one of those agencies who campaign for PBO like OFA and ask them?
I liked this article and I’m glad someone called out the repug’s propaganda. Our President has been leading since before he even took the oath of office. It is about time people wake up and realize it, especially the msm.
I loved this article. I was very taken with the comment from the republican–“In another era of divisive bitterness, Lincoln preached, ‘with malice toward none, with charity toward all.’ It’s worth noting how closely Obama’s philosophy of leadership approaches that.” That comment actually brought tears to my eyes.
You know there is a big group of Republicans who support Obama. I think they still love him for his calmness and generosity. Alan Colmes from Fox is a big supporter of Obamas. Check it out. It makes me feel that that we are not the only ones who understand how important Obama is.
http://www.alan.com/2011/05/15/republicans-for-obama-a-group-thats-existed-since-2006-may-get-more-traction/
Whoaaaaaaaa? Say what now? Let me read……
Excellent – they must feel very out of place in the current Republican tent.
President Obama has replaced two words into our political lexison, two words which have not been applied for a long time:
HARD WORK!!!
I loved this article. From what I read, President Obama is more like Lincoln than any other president. (But, please, I’m not a scholar — that’s just from my reading.) President Lincoln was hated and misunderstood in his time.
I’m so glad of this community where I can share my love and appreciation for the man I feel is already a great president. When he was campaigning I read about his childhood and the experiences he had all his life. I felt he was destined to be president. That his whole life has been about understanding cultures and conflicts — what is really needed and what is self-serving. He’s been a grassroots organizer and he’s been in the halls of power. An incredible range of experiences in race, religion, cultures and the effects of poverty and wealth on the human experience that made him perfect for this tumultuous time of change on every level. I trust his balance and vision.
I ask myself often what I can do for him and the answer I get is to shine the light on the truth about him and all his incredible accomplishments as well as who he is as person. I feel that what we are doing here is very important. All of us together shining the light.
This is a wonderful article, Chipsticks. Thank you.
Nicely said Suzanne, agree 1000%.
I concur sherijr.
I so agree, Suzanne!!!!
This article finally says what we all have been saying. I can’t believe that someone is finally putting it into words. This man is the real deal. He understands the kind of world we live in and really does like and care about all people. We are so fortunate to have him. I really want to pass this article on. Thanks for finding it for us.
Good article but I long for the day when MSM looks into themselves and owns up to how much of a culprit they have been and continue to be in spreading the GNOP propaganda against this amazing president.
Kelly, you make a very good point. It gets very old hearing all of the carping from msms. It is particularly annoying when it happens on msnbc. Rachel has turned a bit ugly again because of the Jewish spat.
I was just laughing at this silly comment made by Mitt Romney in Chicago, yesterday:
“I like the president. He’s a nice guy. But he doesn’t have leadership experience.”
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/5616145-418/mitt-romney-in-town-says-illinois-in-play-in-2012-election.html
He’s more clueless than I thought, if he really thinks that drivel is going to work, now. When if failed so miserably in 2008.
OMG Romney really is a fool, isn’t he?
This is just so embarassing on so many different levels. I hope they really destroy each other for many years to come.
Pure projection, Mitts knows he is toast and is just trying to hang on to the old republican canards. No leadership experience, soft on defense/national security, hates Israel, will take your guns, and blah, blah, blah.
PBO is just kicking the sh..(stuffing) 😐 out of all those canards.
Romney needs to go back to private business and shut the hell up. He is too stupid to for words. I almost feel sorry for him if ever faces PBO across a debate stage. After PBO got done with him, he’d probably expire from absolute shame.
I’m glad he said nice words about President Obama – it may help to diminish some of the bad karma Romney has directed his own way from the other nonsense he’s uttered about the President. Regardless, Romney is as much of a joke as the rest of them. His latest trick of trying to take credit for the auto industry recovery is hilarious.
What he really meant is President Obama is not a Corporate Overlord. Smooth move Romney….NOT!
He is indeed a fool. He is a hypocrit and a man with no spine. He is the biggest flip flopper I can remember.
I co-sign everything that all of you have said about our gifted president who has “the audacity to get shit done”
as was stated on BWD’s site some time ago.
ps- just found out the Mittster was in Chi-town and he sent 3 pizzas to PBO’s HQ team. What a fuck. He’s so dumb. He’ll never carry Illinois. Dumb shit. Was that a threat? Think again Mittster, your ass is grass in Illinois.
Oh yeah I’m watching Hardball and they just covered that in the sideshow. Romney apparently thought it was funny. Hardy ha ha… I was soo annoyed. He was in Chicago giving a speech and felt that he could come in PBO’s backyard and start some mess. Does he think that 3 boxes of pizza will feed the millions of people supporting PBO both in his headquarters and around the country. Then his spokesperson released a statement saying that Romney was just sending the pizza in good faith. He actually took a picture of the pizza delivery guy and posted it on twitter. I’m gonna be laughing when he gets chewed up in the repub primaries or PBO tears him to pieces in the general election. Stupid git.
Stupid git is right. What a douche. Can’t wait for PBO to publicly thank him 😛
I would have ignored that. Of course the Republican’s wanted to exploit their bad joke. Our guys should thank them for considering the 2% and remind them they neglected, per their usual the remaining 98%. Typical Republican agenda.
I read that the pizzas that Mitts sent were actually pizza that was left over and he tweeted at how funny he thought it was.
Yep you’re right. The moronic twit did do that and he thought it was funny. He’ll see how funny it is when he gets trashed by his own party or PBO tears into him in the general election and wipes the floor with him in a victorious landslide.
You would love the comments about this in the Chicago paper! They have Romney’s number, no fooling the people of Chicago where our president is concerned.