Why won’t Obama schmooze?
While it may be understandable, even admirable, to keep a distance from an unpopular Congress, my point is that it’s not good politics.
For Hagel, he now faces a rocky confirmation in part because he lacks allies on Capitol Hill: During his two terms in the Senate, Hagel rankled Republican and Democratic colleagues with a demeanor that suggested he was too good for them and their views.
For Obama, learning how to schmooze could mean the difference between a good and great presidency. Franklin Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton (to name just a few) were masters at building relationships that furthered their political aims. They dined and drank with lawmakers, and they ventured to Capitol Hill out of respect. Johnson was an aggressive phone-caller. Roosevelt mixed cocktails for guests. Clinton flattered House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
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That wouldn’t be hard, surely?
OldEnglish on January 8, 2013 at 9:30 PM
Both of those ships sailed already.
theperfecteconomist on January 8, 2013 at 9:32 PM
These questions are still being asked?
Like most narcissists Obama doesn’t like people.
The others were political players and enjoyed the arena. They also didn’t out and out despise all people who weren’t them.
As long as Obama can get his agenda implemented that’s all his ego needs.
INC on January 8, 2013 at 9:36 PM
Anyway, Obama’s already convinced he’s the most fabulous president ever!
INC on January 8, 2013 at 9:37 PM
Obama only loves himself.
Schadenfreude on January 8, 2013 at 9:38 PM
Because he’s not likable. Never has been.
CW on January 8, 2013 at 9:43 PM
Chicago machine politicians don’t schmooze. They send in the thugs.
Wethal on January 8, 2013 at 9:43 PM
He’s a total narcissist. He doesn’t need anybody.
rdbrewer on January 8, 2013 at 9:46 PM
Strap a mirror to their asses, Obama will kiss it.
portlandon on January 8, 2013 at 9:55 PM
Why won’t Obama schmooze?
He thinks he’s above everyone else. Like Bill Clinton, who was “not clubbable”, but Obama is worse.
Paul-Cincy on January 8, 2013 at 10:04 PM
What idiot thinks destroying this country with debt will get him somewhere between “good” and “great” as long as he learns how to “schmooze”?
Paul-Cincy on January 8, 2013 at 10:06 PM
His narcissism also explains all the brinkmanship and rough sailing: It’s because he personally isn’t suffering because of it. So what if people are dropping out of the job market, paying more taxes, and their money is worth less. So what if he bankrupts the country. He’s doing fine. For narcissists, people are objects. They’re either useful mirrors to reflect their greatness or they don’t exist at all.
rdbrewer on January 8, 2013 at 10:09 PM
Obama has one goal: Dictator.
And if they haven’t figured out how he intends to reach that goal they probably won’t even when the bullets start flying.
davidk on January 8, 2013 at 10:12 PM
Because He is an arrogant a$$hole? Moochelle also?
Dingbat63 on January 8, 2013 at 10:13 PM
Well said.
inviolet on January 8, 2013 at 10:24 PM
Why
Schadenfreude on January 8, 2013 at 10:33 PM
Passive-aggressive narcissist. Only fools don’t know this.
Schadenfreude on January 8, 2013 at 10:33 PM
Schmoozing is work. Zero the Lazy is allergic to work.
“Ain’t no paht uh mah platfohm… dig? Ain’t that right Moochy?
Huh? Pass me moah taxpayah lobstah, jughead….”
viking01 on January 8, 2013 at 10:43 PM
He won. Twice.
Neo on January 8, 2013 at 11:11 PM
Zero also ate a dog. Probably lots of times.
viking01 on January 8, 2013 at 11:15 PM