Iran: Bluster and Thought

Welcome back.

The outrageous, narrow, contradictory, self-serving position of those on the Right--such as Robert Kagan, who makes at least some attempt at casting a veil of intellectual coherence, or the bloviating Mike Pence, who only goes as far as enjoying the familiar sound of his words--is another example of the continuing simple-minded viciousness that lies at the heart of a large sector of those who identify as conservative.

The logic here is simple. They are itching for a fight. They want to draw Obama into "confronting" Iran, prodded by rhetoric that really comes down to no more than opportunism hiding behind the usual protective shield of patriotic boilerplate, so that Iran will then accuse the U.S. of meddling.

Obama can then be accused of "failing" in foreign policy--because of the conflict that they conveniently and typically encouraged. And Iran can be placed in the role which they find more comfortable and exciting, and which they are more accustomed to--the place that they can and should fight.

That this permits the Iranian government to have a critical distraction from the battle for freedom, focusing attention on an external enemy--that is, that it will serve to undercut the "freedom" that they declare is their purpose--is not mentioned.

Sad, hypocritical, tiresome...ah! A return to the feelings of the Bush Administration!

Where Rubber Meets Road

Today I received an email, as did many of you, from the Obama team about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

It differs from the many emails sent before in that, for the first time, post-Inauguration, they are asking for action. This is the turn--the first test of whether the enthusiasm for sacrifice shown during the campaign and post-election period will actually translate into the actions of a populace--one willing to act on what they enthusiastically endorsed, one that is committed beyond fulfilling emotions, brief, self-gratifying opinion-making and the next entertainment--the actions, as Obama has briefly tested the phrase--of a movement.

This is where we see if the pleasure people took in voicing opinions, and experiencing change translates into active behavior in the interest of the nation. Work--where the rubber hits the road.

I have to say that, from a psychological point of view, when we consider that this is the first time that American citizens will be asked to be so broadly mobilized for such an event, outside of a campaign's carrying enthusiasm, in more than a generation--and given their preparation for action and sacrifice by the last Administration--the email is short on agenda.

Without it, and with very little practice or preparation for doing this in the past, the very real risk is that most Americans won't know quite what to do--and in that moment, in such a situation, the best predictor of behavior is past behavior--e.g., watch TV, someone else will do it, not sure how to act, hope it works out, maybe I'll do something later--and a critical defining opportunity will be lost, while another one occurs: that email that asks one to do something that sounds nice, something that they never do, instead of the email that enables them to continue to carry forward their enthusiasm and commitment with clear action.

People know how to act during a campaign--cheer and enthuse and enjoy the contest and battle of opinions, glorying in their superior knowledge. They don't know how to galvanize these thoughts and emotions for a bill--especially in a house meeting, something that will feel new and undefined itself.

Nevertheless--I'm in. I worked for this and I want it to work. So I'll provide the agenda:

INVITATION:

Talked the talk? Walk the walk. Come to the Georgetown House Meeting on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Agenda:

1) INTRODUCTION: Understanding the Act and its key initiatives.

2) CONGRESS: identifying and contacting key members of Senate; developing key arguments for vulnerable members

3) MEDIA: Broadcast (Radio/TV) and Cable: Identification and development of local and national stories/narratives describing how the Act will support families and communities
New Media: Development of Twitter and Facebook campaigns (Facebook app?), short-form video to support the Act

4) SUMMARY AND ACTION PLAN: Detail team and individual actions for the above and point persons for completion and follow-up


Where: Dr. Alan J. Lipman
1010 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
The Waterfront Center, Georgetown
Suite 320
Washington, D.C.

When: Saturday, February 7th, 2-4 pm.

The Waterfront Center is located along the Potomac in Georgetown, on the corner of K Street and Wisconsin. There is metered parking directly in front of the new Georgetown Park, as well as a parking garage.

Call to RSVP: 202-423-6153

Change and The EPA

From Reuters, via Yahoo News:

President Barack Obama began reversing the climate policies of the Bush administration on Monday, clearing the way for new rules to force auto makers to produce more fuel-efficient and less polluting cars.

The president told the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider immediately a request by California to impose its own strict limits on vehicle carbon dioxide emissions, blamed for contributing to global warming.

The Democratic Obama took over last Tuesday from former President George W. Bush, whose Republican administration had denied the request, prompting California and other states to sue.

"The federal government must work with, not against, states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Obama said at the White House, taking a stab at his predecessor's policies.

I recall watching the torturous testimony of former EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson on this issue, as he went against the recommendations of his own agency staff.

Last Vestiges...

From Talk Left:

The Supreme Court issued opinions and orders today. Among them:

* Ruled that a man wrongly convicted and sent to prison for 24 years cannot sue the former Los Angeles district attorney and his chief deputy for violating his civil rights. The court said unanimously that decisions of supervising prosecutors, like the actions of prosecutors at trial, are shielded from civil lawsuits.

* Ruled that police officers have leeway to frisk a passenger in a car stopped for a traffic violation even if nothing indicates the passenger has committed a crime or is about to do so.

Trying to get as many in as possible before Obama will be able to shift the balance?

Hello Robert

By which we provide friendly advice to Robert Gibbs, who is very capable and well-experienced from the campaign--but who could not enjoy the benefit of a little friendly advice?

Larry Summers is certainly distinguished in many ways. And, in the swirl of internalizing broad swaths of information, managing egos, and getting one's wheels on the ground that is the growing job of Press Secretary, it certainly makes sense to protect that ego--particularly when someone else will (likely) be the Treasury Secretary.

But is it really necessary to refer to him as "Dr. Summers"--and Peter Orszag as "Peter"? Doesn't that establish/signify a bit of a listing coming together of the Cabinet--and suggest initial and future fractures?

A small point perhaps, but one that people notice. Best to keep the pragmatic, no- nonsense tone for all--and show the public that all of you have more important things in mind than ruffled feathers.

Kristol's "Work"

In November, Mr. Kristol told Portfolio.com, “I’m ambivalent” about the prospect of continuing to write the Times column. “It’s been fun,” he said, adding, “It’s a lot of work.”

~The New York Times, in reporting the "mutual" decision to end his column, January 26, 2009.


Thinking.

It's a lot of work.

Thinking about where we should go to war, dreamily touting Vice Presidential candidates.

It's work, I tell you.

And when you work, you're prone to mistakes.

Just look at the New York Times--they have to run corrections, why, most every day.

Fortunately, policy pieces and recommendations aren't followed by corrections.

That makes them--a lot less work.

Tom Friedman and "Jaws"

If Tom Friedman uses that "we need a bigger boat" metaphor from "Jaws" one more time, I will scream.

The Celebration is Over–The Work Begins

A talent at campaigning, as is well known, does not a priori equate to a talent for governance. The celebrations–full, moving–are over. Today the work begins.

Obama has indicated a willingness and intention to hit the ground running. He has prepared for this well. The work of preparation has been detailed, based in realities rather than fantasies and vindictive ideology. There is an intention to hew to the needs of this nation, and to use factual indicators rather than long-held spiteful or self-deceptive illusions as a basis.

Now the work of translating those plans, and imposing them upon a moving world begins. Geithner sits now, taking the questions of the mildly impaired Jim Bunning, with the knowledge but also the clear uncertainties before him.

Each cabinet member, each agency head, awoke with the awesome, largely unknown task of the work before them, uniting members and through them the public before plans that, gratefully, have begun to take substantial form before today, but which cannot be fully formed, and which then must be brought to an expectatant public.

Yesterday, during Obama’s inaugural speech, the largest response–although this may have been an artifact of media placement, was to Obama’s line about a father who 60 years ago would have been turned away from a lunch counter. This is both a promising and an auspicious sign for the work ahead.

After we take pride in the first African American president–there is work to do. The recognition of the one does not immediately translate into the commitment and dedication required of the other. This is a difficult turn for the public to make, fed as it has been on easy entertainments and self-satisfactions, which they are all to ready to reach for and then walk away, all to unfamiliar with the task of sacrifice and volunteerism, day upon day, that Obama called for. He tried to make that turn–staying, as he does, within limits. We will see if a nation, gilded with the fragile protections of comforting distractions, will step up in the greyness of each day, to make this turn with him–and whether the Administration, in the face of recalcitrance and need for learning how to shoulder a burden, will stand to the task of consistent inspiration.

We begin.

7th and D Streets, N.W., 8 A.M.

Crowd awaits at 7th and D to be let into Mall area:


In the building above, police watch:

6. A.M., January 20th

At about 6 A.M., I could hear cheering directly outside of my window. It seemed much too close to be coming from the Capitol, and was clearly a very large crowd--hundreds, perhaps a thousand or more. It was too early for a pre-Inaugural concert, too late for a late-night party, and too large.

I went to the window. Directly below was a gigantic throng, wrapped in overcoats, scarves. They were standing before a gate, that had been set up to channel traffic to the Mall. They were shouting, cheering with excitement, with the desire to get there, to be there. People ran down the street like streaking flares, to join and become part of the crowd. One girl dropped her scarf, and in her excitement, just ran on, then came back to grab it.

The joy was palpable, the excitement of being part of it and wanting to be part of it, of milling before a nation that they felt they could finally belong to. They wanted to run towards it and be free.

I've never seen this kind of enthusiasm about politics in 10 years in this city.
Obama is carrying the enthusiasm of a world today. It is not clear what it will become. But the excitement, the joy in a new and freer world, is extraordinary.

An Inauguration Speech

My Fellow Citizens:

We gather here today as citizens of a great nation. We have arrived from all parts of this country. We arrive awakened to both the necessities and possibilities of freedom. We arrive inspired by the hopes and aware of the challenges of our shared future. And we arrive with a solemn task--yet one that can bring us the greatest joy; the responsibility that can bring the greatest satisfaction to ourselves, our families and communities. To join together with strength of hope, knowledge, determination and unity to rebuild this nation.

In recent years, as we have been buffeted by attack and crisis, many have been imbued with fear, distracted by division and polarization, made distant from the values that in their hearts they knew lay at the core of this nation.

Yet from this darkness, the force of life that we have seen emerge, time and time again, from this great nation has arisen, moving us together, towards the unity and freedom that, from the core of this land, provides a beacon of strength and hope that can light and inspire the world. From the cities and towns across this country, in the face of division and disunion, in the face of foreboding and fear, we found together our unique American capacity for hope--and for a willingness to rise above that fear as one to make that hope a reality.

One nation that is determined to demonstrate its strength by realizing its values. One nation that can face its challenges as reality, not illusion, by fully recognizing and employing the talents, desires, strengths and aspirations of all of its people. One nation that has refused to continue to live under shackles of fear and darkness. And one nation that will join together, black and white, young and old, rich and poor to create, as was said so long ago, a more perfect Union--one strengthened by our knowledge that as each of us is equal, each of us must contribute--and that will face the challenges ahead with the knowledge that the person beside them shares that responsibility and commitment.

The days ahead will be hard. None of us can or ever should claim perfect knowledge. But what we can face and shoulder together, we can and will achieve together--with the joy of contributing to our lives, the lives of our family and community, and to the future of this nation.

Our time, as always, is short. And, with this knowledge, we begin. Within each of us is the recognition that we can share this burden--if we know that each of us is dedicated to the tasks ahead. There will be doubts. Crisis will breed the narrow temptations of cynicism and division. We know: These are but small and momentary distractions from the reality of what each of us, each day can create and contribute. With our hands, with our hearts, with out persistence in the face of division and distraction, with our determination to forge ahead through both the familiar and unknown barriers that lay before us, we will bind together the strength of this nation. With the strength of a citizenry bound by a true patriotic unity--beyond race, beyond Party, together--with the strength and dedication of the fullness of our talents, and freed and full measure of our devotion, we will meet those challenges, and fulfill our promise beyond measure.

Watching

We should all be very proud of what we have done.

He Means It

I never thought that I would be thrilled by the appearance of Ray LaHood at a podium being announced for an appointment.

In the past, "forming a bipartisan administration" and "choosing the best person for the job" was typically a verbal signifier for being less viciously and openly partisan than prior Administrations, appointing members of your own party to your Administration while being willing at least to appear to hear some of the positions of the other side--a slightly more centrist position, while remaining firmly based in partisan self-interest. Any movement whatsoever from such self-interest was greeted with a momentary surprise, quickly followed by the recognition that this was a change of relatively meaningless degree, more game than qualitative shift.

This time, it's different.

A central--perhaps the central--foundation of Obama's approach is one of uniting people across philosophies and towards action. It was imbued within him from his earliest days as a guiding principle. He learned how to implement this, along with many of its difficulties, in his years as a community organizer. he was able to implement it within what is a typically fractious and bitterly polarized environment at the leading law review in the nation. And he is doing it now.

It will be difficult to contain the egos and ideologies; there will be sharp bursts and tangents of positioning, attempts to gain power, and narcissism in the name of policy that are characteristic of all Administrations. I believe Obama is aware of this, having experienced it in the past, which is why such an emphasis was placed on a campaign team without drama. There will also be elements of self interest throughout, as there should be--if one believes in what they are doing, they should act to protect it.

The problem in the past is that this last rationale has too often become the leading one--power for its own sake has been the goal, with action and ideology the supporting rationale for continuing power. I believe that, for the first time in recent memory, the reverse is finally, actually the case.

We see this perhaps most strongly in the choice of Rick Warren–who I disagree with on most issues–to give the invocation at the Inaugural. Obama is making the issue clear, not merely in soothing platitudes, but in action–we will have to face and work with those with whom we differ in the days ahead. In soundbite form–in the past–that has provided a moment’s self-satisfaction, before a return to the status quo. Today, the time calls for exactly such cooperative effort, and difficulties inherent within it.

There will be efforts to chip away at this by degrees, to stain and mar. Americans recognize genuine action, and they certainly recognize the self-serving pose. Obama is building a team that is aimed towards constructive change. As he moves forward amidst what hopefully will begin to seem anachronistic methods of twisting and distortion, let us hope that we--and he--remember and stay upon this path.

Wake-up Call

One of the qualities I enjoy in Obama is his combination of humor and intellect, his ability to use his competitive basketball instincts in a way that reflects humor, yet still a disciplined judgment and choice.

He is a competitive man. He has learned to restrain it--to control it and to decide wisely through it better than most that I have seen. Yet he is intelligent enough to be able to throw in the element of humor--even as he makes sure that he is making the wisest choice.

Witness his selection of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. The calculus is this--she can do the job. You wanted to show that you could take the call at 3 A.M.? Well, now you can--a wry choice that places her in the position to live up to her own words, for him. Yet he also has evaluated that given such a challenge, she has the personality and skills that cause her to rise to the task--as she did when doubted in the Senate. He will have this power over her--I have given you the power to do what you said you could do--all the more reason not to err, and also one upon whom mistakes can be reflected. She is levered into a position where all forces are directed towards ensuring that she does the best job that she can--to show that, as she said, she could; to demonstrate that her best interests are the nation's, for the benefit of his Administration, and for the nation.

Smart, funny, yet done with a disciplined evaluation of its impacts.

Competence and Ideology

Many Progressives seem to be up in arms that Obama is not making the appointments that they hoped for.

Be careful what you wish for. When left ideologues scream because they did not get the ideology that they hoped for or expected, they mirror the ideologues on the other side of the spectrum who act from an impulsive rage, a desire for vengeance, and an impassioned but poorly considered desire.

Obama is unique as a modern President. He is not an ideologue. He is seeking effective and practical solutions to the nation's problems and will choose the methods that are most likely to work--rather than acting from a felt obligation to a particular ideological movement. Yet, although he is bringing in the best of knowledge and technology, he is not a technocrat. His grounding as a community organizer, and a fundamentally unifying philosophy, with an undergirdng of actual understanding of human need and how human change occurs is the human firmament from which the choices and strategies derive.

This direction is non-ideological and an exceptionally broad foundation for change. let's hope that the choices are right, that he is well served, and not diverted by the noise around him.

Cohen: Gore for State

Richard Cohen of the Washington Post suggests Gore for Secretary of State:

Can you imagine a bolder statement about a new direction when it comes to global warming and the general care of our abused planet? Gore has won a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in this area (and an Oscar, to boot), and his appointment would signal a dramatic shift from the indifference of the Bush era with its cold shoulder to the Kyoto treaty. In one stroke, the United States would emerge as the leader of nations in the effort to save the planet from ourselves -- and could prepare for the consequences of a changed world.

The new president's urgent priority has to be the economy. He has no other choice. But given that Obama has no foreign policy background, he needs a secretary of state who can really run the nation's foreign affairs while the attention of the White House is largely directed elsewhere. Others are capable of handling the job, including, of course, Sen. John Kerry, who is being mentioned. But Gore has as much experience and something else as well -- he was right on the Persian Gulf War (voted yes) and right on the Iraq war (like Obama, he opposed it from the start).

Inspired choice. I don't know if he'd take it--but the position has enough range and potnetial influence that he just might.

And Scene.

Minutes after I wrote the post below, this:

"With the arrival of the President elect here, is there in some way for the President, for the staff, for senior aides, is everything becoming a little more real, even in a way the election wasn't, today?"

Perino: "Sure, I think that that is fair to say..."

Perino Brieifing on Obama Visit

You can feel the mixture of excitement, sadness, pressure and anxiety in Dana Perino as she announces the arrival of the Obamas to the White House today. This no doubt reflects many gathering pressures as their work comes to an end.

Head of State Live Analysis: Obama's First News Conference

Pre-conference: Borger reports that "word is" Obama plans FDR-style works program. If so, will be interesting to see how such a program flies under 24-hour news cycle scrutiny.

Eight flags behind a podium. The podium has a sign reading "The Office of the President-Elect" in the now familiar Obama blue and white Obama design and small caps font.

The Dow is up 254.16 as we wait.

The economic advisers gather behind the podium. Rahm Emanuel holds his chin, nods.

They firm their lines, most with hands clasped in front of them, chatting lightly in their places.

Obama walks in with Biden.

The U.S. has only one Government and One President at a time. I've spoken with Bush

Immediately after I become President, I will take this economic crisis head on.

Met this morning with my Economic Advisory Board standing behind him, along with Biden. Will work with Emanuel.

First, need rescue plan for middle class. Jobs and relief.

He is nervous, slightly constrained, body turned inward. Not meeting eyes or looking forward. Looks strained and slightly nervous. May be feeling weight, recognition of what is upon him. This will ease out as he becomes accustomed to power.

His grasp of words betrays an anxiety, a detachment from the words themselves not seen during the campaign.

You can see how the Right will begin to beat him when they do--as too detached, not showing the aggressive-passion-strength and simplicity that symbolizes leadership to them.

He is getting through this one so far.

Now opens for questions.

Looking up more, still obviously quite nervous.

Reporter: Are you still confident that you can do something during the lame duck session before you take office?

Obama: I want to see a stimulus package. If not during this session, when I take office.

Jake Tapper on Ahmadinejad letter. What will you do about it?

Obama: Iran's development of a nuclear weapon is unacceptable. We must mount an international effort to keep that from happening. Support of terror must cease. I will examine letter. It has only been 3 days since election. Should not respond in knee-jerk fashion. We only have one President at a time.

Chip Reid: When you disagree with Bush decisions, will you defer, challenge, confront? I am touring White House. Will be substantive discussions.

Obama is now finding his sea legs, becoming calmer, more authoritative, finding voice he had during campaign. Brain is attaching to mouth, nerves settling, and the thinking Obama is coming to life on this question. Quick. 10 minutes into first news conference. Nice.

Obama: With 2 wars and a financial crisis, is it important to move quickly on filling key posts? I want to move with all deliberate haste, but emphasize deliberate. Proud of choice of VP and COS because thought it through. Important to get it right.

Reporter: To what extent will you use influence to fill Senate seat? This is Governor's decision, not mine. Criteria would be same as if I were voter.

Lynn Sweet (Chicago Sun Times) rising with arm in sling:

Obama: What happened to your arm, Lynn?

A relaxed, Kennedyesque moment. Stretching, stepping into himself.

Sweet: Hurt arm going to speech.

Obama: I think that was the only incident in Grant Park that night.

Sweet has not been entirely friendly, just the slightest note of strength by Obama answering the slightest implication. Using his ability to modulate tone well.

Sweet: People want to know, what books are you reading, what kind of puppy will you get, what schools will the children attend?

A surprisingly friendly, "soft" and personal question from Sweet. Making amends?

Obama: Spoke with all living Presidents, don't want to get into Nancy Reagan seance thing. (The Rightwing blogs will be quoting that line, looking for something to scream about). Dog--this is a major issue We have 2 criteria that have to be reconciled--Malia is allergic, so has to be hypoallergenic. We would prefer to get a shelter dog, but a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me. Schools. Michelle will scout out.

Just the slightest mixture of mock seriousness, humor, and actual seriousness . This ability to shift into a slight tone of recognition of the humor in the decision contrast, yet also recognizing its essential humanity, is Obama's version of the Kennedyesque touch that he can bring to the White House. A self assured recognition of the importance of world situations, while also reocgnizing the importance of humanity's daily life. This is similar to the ability to move from serious consideration to ease and humor that symbolizes undefensive confidence--this was also displayed early Kennedy news conferences, if you've seen them.

A willingness to take on the full strength and importance of decisions--while also, without giving up responsibility or the strength and deliberation that must be fully devoted to it--as seen in the striking, surprising and positive self-deprecation of "mutts like me"--the ability to do this is an indicator of genuine confidence, rather than hubris.

Crowley (pressing Obama): You are privy now to intelligence. First, what do you think of state of US intelligence, does it need beefing up, interaction; Second, has anything you've heard given you pause about anything you said on campaign trail?

Obama: Candy, as you know, if were, couldn't tell you. Intelligence process can always improve, has gotten better.

Zeleny (Times): Intend to seek income tax increases for upper class Americans, expect to pay higher taxes in '09?

Obama: My plan provided for tax cut; 95% of working Americans would receive them; tax credits. Priority is grow economy, provide jobs. Goal of my plan is to provide tax relief to families that are struggling but also boost economy from bottom up.

In one news conference, as stepped into questions, moved from a early nervous detachment, to his own voice, the voice we have seen throughout the campaign--with questions, not with a speech--that is what brought him to thought and life.

We have a taste of what a President Obama will be like--much as he was during campaign. Thoughtful, calm, deliberate, a touch of strength, ease, humor, ability to be personal. To the absurd critiques that Obama could "only deliver speeches", we have a calm, strong, definitive answer.

Emanuel May Be Formally Announced As Chief of Staff As Early As This Afternoon

Rahm Emanuel, former Clinton Staffer, may be named as Obama's Chief Of Staff as early as this afternoon.

Emanuel, known as an extremely aggressive, tough political figure signals the prgamatic tone of the Obama White House--a desire to ensure that errors such as those made at the beginning of the Clinton Presidency with regard to appointments, and the Carter Presidency with regard to lack of deep knowledge of and connections with DCs inner workings will not occur.

In short, a recognition that tough, informed, and well-connected pragmatism will be necessary to reach the high aims of the Administration.

The tone will be: Pragmatism, knowledge, and toughness to reach the goals of hope.